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My Grandfather Spoke
by J. Glenn Evans

When I was young my grandfather spoke
Told me things I did not understand
We sat cross-legged and faced each other
Under a blackjack oak tree out in the field
Day was warm and sunny under blue sky
Red bird in the tree chirped its song
Grasshoppers and butterflies flew about

As we sat there my grandfather said to me
My son I am old, I will not be long
The earth cries for our wisdom
Most of the Bear are now no more
No Buffalo roam free
Fox and Wolf have no place to go
These things were many when I was young

My grandfathers were unwise men
They welcomed invaders as friends and gods
When they came to know this was foolish
They fought and argued among themselves
The enemy grew stronger and we grew weaker
Many died from white man’s sickness

Now too late to fight we are beaten
We are few and they are many
Bear and Buffalo are gone
Fox and Wolf have no place to go
I hear the earth cry for our wisdom

Time will come when only the foolish rule
And their foolish ways destroy
Away from their foolish ways that destroy
And Bear and Wolf have no place to go
I hear the earth cry for our wisdom

You must learn to lead these people my son
Love and protect this place that is our home
Room for Bear and Wolf and all people
I hear the earth cry for our wisdom

Years have passed since my grandfather spoke
I know what he was trying to tell me
They cannot her my grandfather’s voice
I hear the earth cry for our wisdom

 

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