Vision Quest

At the top of tthe hill, overlooking the valley
I stand and await Sunrise
alone...

I offer the Great Spirit and Creator tobacco
lifting it to the four directions.
I burn Sweetgrass and pray...
for wisdom, strength and guidance.

Eyes closed, arms outstretched..I wait
for a sign...
a vision...
a spirit helper to be my guide.

The sun sets...and rises...and sets again
many hours pass
I grow weak from thirst and hunger
my arms quaking
but I remain standing..arms outstretched..
waiting.

And then...
I hear faint whispers on the wind

voices singing and the pounding echo of drum beats

I see the faces of our people from long ago...
warriors and chiefs..
elders, women and children

I see the great Buffalo herds moving across the prairie grass
I see the Eagle, soaring above the land, wings stretched wide
I see the Bear, foraging in the valley for berries and nuts
I see the Wolf, running with his pack on the hunt
I see the Turtle, basking in the warm sun on a moss covered log

I open my eyes as the sun rises once again
I offer tobacco to the Great Spirit and Creator
giving thanks for his wisdom and guidance
and this life I have been given.

by iskwesis
posted on 12/29/2007