A pup went to his father with questions in his mind,
about the world around him; about life, nature and time.
First he asked about the world, about how he came to be,
about how he knew right from wrong and about the mystery of the sea.
The father smiled and answered his son in a riddled rhyme,
"Your life will go onward from now and you shall know in time.
"But over the course of time remember that you have in your paw,
the power to give life by mercy and the power to kill by the claw.
"But always know you are no king, for nature has given this power to others,
Though they shall not harm those who live a good life, for all of nature is your sisters and brothers."
The pup nodded to his father then asked him some other words,
About the bountiful river and the mighty caribou herds.
The father smiled and answered his son again,
looking into the young pups eyes,
answering with the same soft spoken words, in the same riddled rhyme.
"The water we drink and food we eat is granted to us for life,
but each must only take as much as they need, for that is only right.
"But each is destined to grow old, and to soon after have all health gone,
So then they might fall prey to nature so that others may live on."
The pup again nodded once turning to his father to ask him of his life,
How he had come to know all he did about his pain, suffering and strife.
"My son" he whispered to the pup still gazing in his eyes,
"I know of what I speak my son, through using my own mind.
I'll tell you of what I've seen my son and of what the shamans preach,
Live your life well but harm no other, for the purpose of life is to teach."
To this the pup just nodded, making this knowledge his own,
he then sweetly nuzzled his father, as the enlightenment in his eyes shown.
Then the father spoke unto his son about the strangest of nature's clan,
Of the ones who've learned so very little, he warned his son of man.
"Be fearful son of a race called man for they know not what they do,
They have been gifted abilities far beyond our own, yet utilize so few.
They act not for their brothers and sisters, but for the betterment of one,
They've violated many of natures laws but know not what they've done.
Man has abandoned the powerful mind he has which
first allowed him to thrive,
But he will reap what he has sown once he can no longer survive."
With that the father nuzzled his son and bid him on his way,
knowing his son would lead a wealthy life
and pass his knowledge on one day.
"HOW THE FAWN GOT ITS SPOTS"
A DAKOTA STORY
Wakan Tanka, The Great Mystery, was walking around thinking
to himself of all the things he had done to help the animals survive.
"I have given Mountain Lion sharp claws, Grizzly Bear has great
strength, Wolf has sharp teeth, Coyote has quick wits and Beaver has
a flat tail and webbed feet to swim under the water. These will make
it easier for them to survive.
I have given Pocupine, who moves slow, sharp quills to protect himself,
and the birds all have feathers and fly so that they can escape,
and I have given speed to the Rabbit and the Deer so it will be hard
for their enemies to catch them. Truly they will survive easier now."
Just as Wakan Tanka was speaking of these things a mother Deer
came up to him, with her small, wobbley legged fawn behind her.
She looked to Wakan Tanka and spoke.
"Great One, you have given the four-leggeds and the birds many gifts
to help them all survive. Even I, with my speed, will make it hard for my
enemies to catch me. I am grateful for this great protection indeed.
But what about my little one? She does not have speed and still
wobbles on her little legs. It would be very easy for the sharp teeth
and claws of our enemies to catch her. If my children can not survive,
how can my people live?"
Wakan Tanka looked at the small fawn. "You have spoken the truth
and are right. Little one, come here and I will help you also."
Wakan Tanka took the earth and plants and made paint from it.
He took this paint and painted spots on the fawn's body, so that when
she layed down and stayed still she blended in with the earth and
could not be seen. Then he breathed upon her and took away her
scent.
MIDI:
The fabulous midi is composed by ?Elan
Michaels entitled, Bearclaw and used
with his permission. You may visit his wonderful site Elan
Michaels.
