The Last Warrior
High on bleak, stony rag,
Unmoving, he sits astride his ragged coated pony.
Only telltale frozen breaths separate them from the still winter black boles of ancient leafless trees.
The pony, blown and lame stands with lowered head, ears flattened to the sound of a distant wolf pack.
The man on his back, all weapons lost, ignores the trickling blood from savage wounds, mingling with his war paint.
Eyes burning fiercely he strains to find the sign he seeks.
Behind, the sounds of the enemy draws ever closer.
At last, faith rewarded, he sees far below in the deep valley, arriving at the edge of the fast flowing river, the great she bear with two ambling cubs.
There to fish the racing salmon, drawn relentlessly toward their age-old spawning ground.
Silently, the wounded brave offers his final prayer to the eternal clan bear.
Totem and guardian of his battle slain tribe.
The enemy, exultant, are almost upon him, yet he looks not behind.
He sees only the Great Spirit, surrounding him kindly, in loving, firm embrace.
While the enemy closes in, he straightens himself, and calls to the Great Spirit, his voice loud and clear, echoing across the land to the distant cloudless sky.
One last defiant war cry as he spurs on his pony,
And leaps...
Into the world of his ancestors.
Kavika 2011 all right reserved. Do not use without permission.
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Dedicated to all Warriors of the past, present and future.
Ogichidaa.
Stirring until the last, why make it easy for his enemies?
I don't have any insight into the Native American mind/culture, so perhaps denying his enemies their victory has some meaning I'm missing.
It's better to die with honor, then to be captured and dis-honored. Most warrior societies (and warriors) have the same code.
By his actions he (the Warrior) chose the way he wanted to die and that was with honor and dignity.
Thank you for clearing that up for me.
No problem, anytime you have a question or need something cleared up please just ask. I'll always try to explain it.
What powerful and moving prose. I am sure a moment that many of our ancestors faced.
I really hope that there is a Great Spirit. I would find comfort in that.
Yes it was what many of our ancestors faced, sister. Apache Leap in Arizona is a reminder of the decision that many had to make.
Very emotionally stirring, Kavika. A Warrior's Spirit never dies, it simply moves on to the next step of their eternal journey.
Thank you for sharing this very heartfelt dedication with us.
nv-wa-do-hi-ya-dv (Peace)
''A Warrior's Spirit never dies, it simply moves on to the next step of their eternal journey.''
Exactly RW.
Bravo!
Ditto on the Bravo!
Ditto on the ditto on the bravo!
I could actually see what the warrior saw, and hear what the warrior heard. If there was ever a beautiful death to be envisioned, that was it.
Thank you Randy, Kat and Sister Mary.
It was only the death of the physical body, the Warrior Spirit and that of his pony will continue on their journey Sister.
I loved this, There was an American Indian website that I visited every morning for a very long time. The poem/prayer was "The Great Spirit". Absolutely inspiring! I am going back today to see if I can find it. The American Indian is very spiritual and one on one with our creation.
The Great Spirit Prayer
Oh, Great Spirit, whose voice I hear in the wind, whose breath gives life to all the world.
Hear me; I need your strength and wisdom.
Let me walk in beauty, and make my eyes ever behold the red and purple sunset.
Make my hands respect the things you have made and my ears sharp to hear your voice.
Make me wise so that I may understand the things you have taught my people.
Help me to remain calm and strong in the face of all that comes towards me.
Let me learn the lessons you have hidden in every leaf and rock.
Help me seek pure thoughts and act with the intention of helping others.
Help me find compassion without empathy overwhelming me.
I seek strength, not to be greater than my brother, but to fight my greatest enemy, Myself.
Make me always ready to come to you with clean hands and straight eyes.
So when life fades, as the fading sunset, my spirit may come to you without shame.
That's it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
This is one of the most beautiful prayers that I have ever read. It humbles me. Thank you.
Your most welcome magnoliaave.