There is Peace Within

I lay here
On  animal skins,
Covered by the blankets
Made by the older squaws
...of our small tribe,
I am content
And ready for the end.

My daughter
Is constant in her fussing
And watching of me.
My adult sons are angry,
For they are warriors
And never learnt
The art of soft expression.

The scents of Mother Earth
Fill the lodge abundantly,
And as I listen to the quiet
I hear within the silence
The laughter of my youth,
And I feel a smile
Grace the features
Of my old woman face.

I see behind the darkness
...of closed eyes,
My Chief who went before
To carve a place for me
In the Land of the Great Spirit.
He is smiling and waiting,
And I am so anxious
To be with him
...once again.

My youngest child
Bordering on manhood
Sits in the silence with me,
He is my most beloved.
So gentle and filled with care
...he is the chosen
To lead our Tribe into peace,
Thus says my brother,
The seer who knows all
...and sees the future.

The air is filled
With the pungency of sage,
Which means my brother,
The shaman of a neighboring tribe
Is close by...bringing many herbs
To give me comfort
During my final time.

I lay here
On  animal skins,
Covered by the blankets
Made by the older squaws
...of our small tribe,
I am content
And ready for the end.

And there is peace within.

In just two days, tomorrow will be yesterday!