Gathering Of Eagles

I cared for my elderly mother for many years until her death. Now I volunteer with a non-profit humanitarian organization called "Adopt A Native Elder" (www.anelder.org) Great Program!

 

 

 

From all four directions

 

they came.

 

Silently observing...

 

each movement

 

comtemplating

 

each waited

 

patiently.

 

 

from the shadows I watched the gathering of eagles!

 

 

Heads covered in

 

Silky white

 

regally wrapped in

 

quiet serenity.

 

Dignity and Humility

 

all encompassed

 

within

 

fragile frame.

 

 

From the shadows I watched the gathering of eagles.

 

 

Aged from life's battles

 

Some of them

 

could not see

 

some could not walk

 

others could not hear

 

yet - each....

 

splendidly unique!

 

 

From the shadows I watched the gathering of eagles. 

 

 

Wisdom keepers

 

Advisors of tribal

 

languge and culture 

 

Teachers in simplicity

 

integrity

 

Bold admonishers of

 

imbalance

 

 

From the shadows I watched the gathering of eagles.

 

 

History

 

etched in memory

 

storytellers of our origin

 

historians 

 

of tribal journey

 

through

 

hunger

 

relocation

 

and lost battles  

 

recounted in brutal detail

 

 

From the shadows I watched the gathering of eagles.

 

 

with each passing season

 

I noticed the flight of one or two

 

taking with them

 

ceremonial practices,

 

medicinal remedies

 

traditional arts

 

and the stabalizing foundation

 

of their presence

 

 

From the shadows I watched the gathering of eagles as their numbers  grow fewer.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Reviews

[SyberRose]

Beautifully written with the perfect ending to your poem...thank you for posting.

[DrD]

It is difficult for me to tell you how much I appreciated this work. As one who has long admired your culture and even envied your ancestry, the spiritual essence of tribal messages are always held special and I thank you for this writing.

[Jaweena...Eileen Quintana]

Thank you DrD, for reading my story. I am a blessed person for having such strong, courageous ancestors who gave so much-so that I could be born. Do thankful!!

[Michael G.]

This is a wonderful tribute to dignity... and honor.

[Ink Angel]

Yet each splendidly and unique! this is breathtaking I love it! Thankyou for sharing THe gathering of the Eagles.

[Coyote Poetry]

We miss the old Eagles. The Elders of a family is needed to keep the family strong. Those wise words and kind eyes of love allow us to share our victories and losses. I wish to go back in time. To speak less and listen more. I like how you make the story come alive with the amazing story in this outstanding poem.
Coyote

[Ruth]

This has moved me in so many ways!
Wonderfully emotive writing and such a powerful message..you have a talent for bringing home what truly should matter!
xoxo

[J Todd Underhill]

What white man did to the indigenous people of this great land is an out right crime. I love this poem as it marks the observance of a dying ritual, the meetings of tribal elders should be sacred and passed on to this generation, however times have changed for all. Wonderful write about sad events you are truly gifted.

[emmajoy]

How sad, yet what wisdom in your words: you admire, understand, protect, cherish those 'eagles' and that's what makes your poem so very beautiful. People generally rush through life not seeing those who are towards the end of theirs .. how terrible in this modern day civilisation .. whatever that last word means these days, We can learn so much from elderly folk - if only we stop to listen.

[Robin]

these Eagles represent all of the indigenious people of mother earth , and with the Eagle as my totem I take wing and hear their cry ....

[Jaweena...Eileen Quinta..]

Within the next 15 years, we will lose the ones that really LIVED the traditional ways of our people. The scope of Change on the land is rapidly upon us. Within the next 15 years....our elders will be those that attended BIA schools. The traditional life of having been raised in a hogan, with ceremonial practices, herding sheep, and speaking only Dine will be a thing of the past. There is no stopping it......you are right John it is PROFOUNDLY sad.