Heartbeat

Leaves decay and fall,
nature mourns.
The earth is renewed,
nature rejoices.
Rich aromas rise from the earth
and encircle me.
The smell of decay has faded
and life’s sweet fragrance wraps
around me and draws me to it
giving me stability, comfort and warmth.
I can no longer mourn for those things
that pass away.

The laughter of children fills the air.
I hear the drumbeats
of their lives in the distance. I hear
the murmur of my ancestor’s voices
from the rich soil beneath my feet
They speak words of humility.
They urge me to walk with soft steps
and encourage me to find the good
in all things. They rebuke thoughts of
hate and greed.

“Return good for evil” I hear them say.
“Be kind to your enemies.
Take from Mother Earth only that
which you need. Learn from those of us
who walked before you,
teach and nurture those who walk beside you
and prepare the way for those who
will walk the earth after you. Reflect on
the important things in life
and disregard evil.”

So, I urge you to bend your ear
to the ground
and listen to the distant sounds
of horses’ hooves
pounding the free lands
and the wild shouts
of the buffalo hunts.
Bend your ear once more to hear
the deafening silence of a land touched
by destruction and devastation.
Lay your hand upon your breast
and walk in rhythm to the beat of
your own heart.