When I woke up it was bright.
My parents lived in a house
There were so many people everywhere
There was this thing called technology
That was the god, the one they worshiped
Instantly you could communicate with anyone around the world
I grew up, went to college, then to law school
I was smart, knew the technology well
Little did I know, we were creating our own hell
People were in turmoil, depressed and seeking help
We were lost people, with nowhere to turn
I began a search for my heritage
I learned that I was Native American
My ancestors had lived here centuries ago
They were strong, spiritual and respected Mother Earth
They were warriors
What was I? Some book-smart kid
I took pride in everything I did
But what did that mean?
Nothing, I soon learned
I had lost my way, I had no faith
There were no drum beats, no dancing, no prayers
I was isolated in this world of many
I was lost, so I began to search and look back
I began to learn of my ancestors, who they were and how they lived
What they believed, how they prayed, how they had faith
I began to hear the soft drum beat, far off in a dream
It slowly got louder, my feet began to dance
I got lost in the music, as if in a trance
Then I learned.
I learned the true meaning of life
To live, to give thanks, to believe in the Great Spirit
I learned to treasure Mother Earth, and what she meant to me
I learned to give thanks and to live in harmony
I learned to pray in the morning and at night
I learned to thank the Creator for my sight
To see the beauty all around
To respect everything, from the sky to the ground
I learned to be proud of my forgotten heritage
I learned to be grateful and to give thanks
I have lived a full life, a happy and harmonious life
I’ve taken back everything that was taken from me
I lived to the age of 93
My body deteriorated, I became slow
My memory lapsed, my health failed
Then it was black.

When I woke up….
It was bright.

jbarntt(c)2006