Today I passed quietly and with reverence through the magnificent Canyon of Spearfish, near the land
in which Crazy Horse and his people inhabited. The splendor of the snow-covered mountains and trees
overwhelmed my entire being---there was only beauty to behold.
My eyes knew the gift of Nature’s perfection, void of civilization and ruin. At a silver pond near
the foothills, a wolf and his mate stood drinking; a herd of deer was elegantly roaming, unafraid. The
descending sun painted the sky and clouds as a rainbow, testified by no man before. My soul was
rendered as light and gossamer as vapor. I had somehow achieved total freedom that was, until now,
unknown to me. Suddenly my breath was stilled; I was entranced as the invisible hand of my Spirit
Father extended and clutched my heart. I became somber, my countenance was utterly saddened.
Clearly I perceived the voices of my fallen Kindred. Ancient was the pleading and chanting I heard as it
emerged from the frozen earth, lamenting the injustice, dishonor . . . and the rape of the innocents
who were unquestionably pure of heart. The White blood that flowed through my veins curdled and soured
like milk forgotten and left in the desert sun. I was dismayed and devastated, for I clearly heard the
requiem of each tribe who had been robbed and murdered. The impact of the injustice was utterly overwhelming.
Now I realize why I was born in grief, and live in perplexity, for now I know and understand
why Mother Earth is Crying.
I was appalled and dismayed as times before;
A scoundrel dropped in to skim through my store!
I knew at once that his card had been scored,
I said, “The items I keep are beyond your afford.”
He looked at me with a curious blue eye,
But he was too shallow to comprehend why.
He turned and fled with his wild locks flowing;
I mused in disgust at the lack of knowing.
On the very same day, a lady came there,
With an aura of confidence and well kept hair;
She was wise to the game of bluffs and knocks,
And knew the rule, for I had no cash box.
I approved as she glanced around all sides,
At the various sports and the numerous rides.
I was well pleased, for she was no meddler;
I got the idea, she too, was a peddler.
We each realize why humanity grieves,
And both affirmed, honor among thieves.
Carefully she paused through the rooms and space,
Then taking her leave with integrity and grace.
Although the market is open all of the time,
I keep an alcove secluded that is only mine.
I put out my sign; it said, “Closed for the day,”
And I went to the closet where I like to pray.
There are different notations under my awning,
Such as, ”On Vacation,” or, “A New Day Is Dawning.”
But the shoppers are endless, and so is their prying,
Empty of wisdom, but wealthy from lying.
One can get fixed in my quaint little place,
Lost forever, or completely disgraced
I must tell you promptly as I know I should;
“The wares are expensive; your money’s no good.”
I do not barter, yet I will furnish flak . . .
If you dare pick it up, you can’t put it back.
Be careful of details you desire and feel--
In this marketplace, all is priceless and real.
A hypocrite is welcome any time at all,
Although goods are broken as they tumble and fall.
They don’t understand the things that they bought,
Nor do they know that these things aren’t taught.
Then there are patrons who haven’t a clue,
And perceptive ones say,“ I thought you knew.”
There is no end to the elaborate stock,
Old dainty laces and statues of rock.
I have music and books, and I know the right names,
And I am a champion at playing mind games.
Don’t even browse if you cannot buy,
In fact, don’t come in; the price is too high.
If you don’t know the rules in this unusual store,
I would advise you not to rap on the door.
You may beg and cry, down upon bent knees,
But you can’t enter here with ordinary keys.
If you declare firmly that you must come in,
Please recognize both goodness and sin.
Be leery of merchandise you are bound to keep,
The cargo is heavy and the circumstances deep.
If this seems a bit remarkable to you--
Here is exactly what you need to do:
Take a look around at where you are,
Over your left shoulder is the evening star.
With all of your science and puffed up pride,
You are standing on the pavement, and still outside.
The sign now reads, “ Please come here no more,
Don’t judge me 'till you’ve shopped in my store.”