Ancient warrior

Blood cannot change. Sometime must go back to your place of birth to learn peace.

                     

   Ancient warrior

I drove to the forest.
Away from the city.
I took my grandson with me to learn the spirit of the forest.
We walked deep into the safety of the woods and
the friendship of the wind.
I watched the birds and animals fly and roam free.

I found a river.
The water was strong and still clean from man's pollution.
I took out my sage. I lit the sage.
Said a quiet prayer.

I walked along the river.
Three year old Grandson followed.

"Spirit of life and death.
Please give me strength and wisdom.
Protect the water, the earth and the sky.
Allow the spirit of the hawk and wolf to send wisdom
to the leaders of this world.
So much war and violence.
Hate had overtook kindness."

I heard a quiet whisper in the wind.
"Ancient Warrior. Put your feet into the river.
Refresh your body and heart. Allow nature to absorb your pain."

I put my feet into the water. My grandson does the same.
I looked to the sky and whispered.
"Thank you spirit of life and death.
Thank you for the drinking water.
Thank you for the green earth.
Thank you for the clean air."

I raised my hand to the sky.
I allowed the sage smoke to spread around me and my grandson.
I knew the truth. I relearn many times in my life.

"We are one people on one planet.
We must live together in peace.
We must know peace for the sake of the children."

People tell me.
Man is foolish.
He cannot know peace. He cannot live without war.
Will a nuclear weapon killing a million people?
Will their screams of cities show the way to peace?

Old ancient warrior watches his grandson run through the forest.
He wondered what kind of world did he leave for his grandchild?

                            Coyote
                            Sept. 2012

Author's Note

People tell me. War is a part of us. One day when we are all dead. What will be remembered about the race of man?

Reviews

[Kaylor Mason]

That's a very good question. That's one reason I became a writer, rather than a soldier. Wars come, and wars go, and soldiers always die in the end and become dust . . . but our written words are eternal, and they live on forever. As necessary as soldiers are to society (and as much as I admire them,) something tells me being a writer is more of a lasting legacy than being a soldier

[Caradoc]

And when we are all dead and gone, who then will read the words of hearts? Even though we may leave our legacies in stone, as did our ancient ancestors, who might be left to wonder at our passing?

Depressing I know, but as a writer, I think on these questions often.

-Caradoc

[Sanity]

Very powerful poem, I like the ties to older culture with our current issues. Mirrored both in the old traditions and current problems, as well as in the youth of the child and the wisdom of the man. The ending was rather strong as well, I like the reflection in it. It confused me a bit though, it seemed as if the man were trying to atone for man's current state throughout most of the poem and that he was one of the people living against it, and yet his reflection upon what world "he" was leaving for his grandson implied he was part of the problem. Besides the slight bit of conffusion that could just be the way I read it, it was an excelent poem, very detailed, and I love poems that tie back to older beliefs and traditions

[Aditi Mahajan]

We all have to live together as a single family. Wars won't end, but they will put an end to human race. We all need to realize the same. Your poetry gives a peaceful message.

[Wolf's Dark Song]

Sadly, it seems each generation grows up to repeat the mistakes of the past generations. It seems as if it is an unending vicious cycle that those in power love to keep going as they benefit from it. The very rich use the poor. Always been that way and always will in some form or other. Wonderful write you have here.

[lee von cleef]

War or Peace ? the world of young, I hope they can carry new tools to pack the peace because all of ours are useless.

[Kenaz]

I am young, and yet I feel as though the people the same age as me aren't made the same. They fight over stupid things and want to become soldiers of war. I don't understand it.

[Enid Blake]

I enjoyed this poem, it is extremely thought-provoking :)

[Tina Kline]

I'm afraid a world of much less is what will be left for everyone's grandchildren. With the help of the media lies are being presented as truth and no real worthwhile news is presented and people are too busy fighting amongst each other and not really caring what the politicians are really doing. I love your poem. Very well written and it presents a better way if only.....

[TL Boehm]

this is beautiful. there is a cultural weight to this piece that intrigues me. My family is full of mavericks. Of societal chameleons. I wonder if history is lost on types like my family?

[Aianarie (INACTIVE)]

A beautifully complex poem. It contains many questions, as well as answers. Thought-provoking and inspiring...thank you for sharing.

[Lily Mae]

Your work sometimes leaves me speechless.. So many thoughts flood my mind.. To me this touched my heart and soul in so many was it's just simply indescribable..xo
Excellent penning..xo

[Faceless Poet]

constant change of human nature affects the natural beauty of our surroundings.
You outdone yourself.