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Song of the Buffalo
| Corner Pub #2 |
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Song of the Buffalo |
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coyote Senior Member
since 2001-03-17
Posts 1077 |
“You must connect to the spirit of the buffalo before you can kill them”, said the old Lakota, weary from many winters, yet strengthened by the meat he was slowly chewing. His hand trembled as he moved the horn spoon to his mouth, but nothing spilled from it. “They came up out of the earth long ago and offered themselves to the people. They made lodging, clothing, and sustenance for the ancient ones. Then we let them go back into the earth. We couldn’t help it. We had lost them to the white man.” “Now they have come back to us, to these lands of the Lakota, Blue Cloud and Snake people. You will hunt them tomorrow. But first we must thank them for returning, and reach out from our hearts to ask if you may take their spirits.” And so he sang of the buffalo, and to them. Across the lodge fire his song flowed up, and out, floating through the smoke into a stormy winter night, falling softly with the snow as it settled gently on their backs. It was 5:00 a.m. when I awakened from my dream, woke up my brother and made ready for the hunt. Outside the November wind blew bitter cold, but inside I knew somehow, they would be waiting for us. "Only the dead, have seen the end of war." |
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| © Copyright 2005 coyote - All Rights Reserved | |||
Joyce Johnson
since 2001-03-10
Posts 9912Washington State |
I find this sad and powerful. Love, Joyce |
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Midnitesun
since 2001-05-18
Posts 28647Gaia |
who was waiting? the spirit of the buffalo? or the ancient ones (Lakota)who tread the land so much more gently long ago? I enjoyed this, though I feel it's really just the beginning of your story. kacy |
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coyote Senior Member
since 2001-03-17
Posts 1077 |
Thanks so much, Dear Joyce. I'm afraid the saga of the buffalo (bison) is a sad one. A friend pointed out that it is sort of unique to, and definitive of, America itself and our Westward expansion. Billy 8) "Only the dead, have seen the end of war." |
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coyote Senior Member
since 2001-03-17
Posts 1077 |
Thanks, Kacy. To answer your questions: The buffalo spirit and the spirit of the ancient ones were truly the same. It is a fictitional beginning to a story I might write someday. Billy 8) "Only the dead, have seen the end of war." |
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Trillium
since 2001-03-09
Posts 12098Idaho, USA |
coyote; We have gone several times to the National bison Range in Montana and driven through the park (15 mph) and it is always so rewarding to see the buffalo living almost as they used to many years ago. Looking at them, I wonder how anyone can shoot them! They are wonderful creatures. I know the Indian tribes depended on them for everything, but it has always seemed so wrong to me, that white men slaughtered them for sport! Another sin against nature to add to the pile! Really was touched by your work! Betty Lou Betty Lou Hebert |
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coyote Senior Member
since 2001-03-17
Posts 1077 |
Thanks for reading, Betty Lou. Most readers can't seem to get past the killing aspect of this subject. I look upon it much the same as I do religion. There seems to be so much differing dogma/doctrine, that I am left to find my own way, and have done so. Killing and eating the meat of such animals has always been a part of life in my world. And like religion, I let others find their own way to, from, or around it. I appreciate your kind comments. Billy 8) "Only the dead, have seen the end of war." |
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