I look to the heavens with closed eyes
I open my arms wide the spirits to greet
Ancestors that guide me through life
I stand here now on weary feet
Their wisdom has guided me each day
Many decisions have helped me make
Pride I take in all they taught me
So strong decisions I can freely make
I feel the winds of their freedom
I can see the plains they once walked across
I see the battles that they fought
Blood soaked dirt from battles lost
I hear war drums sound in the distance
Tribes uniting to make a freedoms stand
Fighting for the freedom they have known
Once spread wide across this great land
I feel the first drops of rain now falling
Tears of pain they let now flow free
Of the torment of my brave people
All of this rekindles memories in me
My heart pains from their long suffering
Pushed from lands that they called home
Given reservations for which to live
No longer having the freedom to roam
I can see them stand high with honor
The signs of strife upon their face
Brave warriors that lived through battle
Many accepted in their heaven’s place
The free tribes are many days gone now
Tribal meetings happen throughout the year
I sit and listen to great stories told by elders
Silently I wipe away a falling tear
I now touch the cold stone of my ancestor
Standing here proudly under a stormy sky
I pain for the life they had to lead so long ago
I drop to my knees and from my heart I cry
May they finally rest in peace in heaven
May their life ease as they have passed on
In my heart I will carry my heritage
It will live forever with me until I am gone
© Tall Mountain Dreamer
