Gramma's Gift

"Gramma's Gift"
  by Baby Chelle



Gramma said " You don't need a man
to survive this outcast place

Trust me Baby I did it on my own
8 kids with only a mans trace

I left the rez to start something new
all along I realized I had no clue

She said I thought life would be like the rez
but little did i know out here I was better off dead

Shame was over me as I walked the city street
no one looked at me no matter who I would meet

No one knew how to treat a Rez Injun
So I learned real quick to say I was just Mexican

After that I learned I wasn't allowed to speak
The Native language or else I would be beat

In my days Baby, Indians weren't "domestic animals"
we were savages still and were considered cannibals

If you were caught speaking the Native tongue
Some would go as far as to rip out your lung

I hid my soul and sold myself out
to the white mans world that only gave me doubt

I had to do it , I am sorry Baby
I had 8 kids to feed and no man to save me

I worked the fields and slaved in the sun
I came home to feed all my little ones

I had no one to help me out no one who cared
Every penny I made went straight to my kids' welfare

I never stole a thing in my life
instead I traded my soul for strife

I wanted to go back to the place that made more sense
But my pride got the best of me , yeah call me a little dense

I wanted more for my kids out here
and I never went back just because of my fear

I made alone with 8 kids for me to feed
times were tough to satisfy their need

I made sure to teach them all that you are who you'll be
and soon you all will join this world with simplicity

Everyone of my children know that I did all I could
To teach them to love and respect even when no one else would

I don't regret the path I chose for it led me here today
I am so proud of you Baby , and we'll be together someday

I am in the spirit world now and you have heard me pray
The guides are all around for you to find your way

You have pleased my spirit that I had gotten back
when they carried me through to my resting shack

My soul that I once lost to make a future for you
Take it, Baby, it will tell you what to do.

I leave you now with just one more thing
I will watch you grow and see your children spring

And when you are not looking , I will be ever near
It is me who makes the babies giggle, I will be there when they fear

You will smell my scent when you are alone with your tears
In your dreams I will tell you how far or how near

You don't need a thing , just a strong willed soul
All your good deeds will be repaid threefold

Stay strong to your values and never lose sight
For when your time ends on Earth the eagle will take flight

And when the eagle sends your spirit free
you'll never soar alone , for you will fly free with me. "