My Elder

I dedicate this to "Running Deer"

"Elder"

His skin is tanned and wrinkled

But his eyes are brightand clear.

His voice has aslight waver,

and it is getting harder for him to hear.

He walks with an unfaltering step,

with a strong and purposeful stride,

And everywhere he goes it seems

there are young ones by his side.

He tells them stories of yesterday,

of the heroes of days gone by,

he tells them stories that makes them laugh

and some that make them cry.

He teaches them about their People,

about their culture and tradition,

He teaches them honor and respect

for the Creator and all creation.

But the best lesson that he

teaches them is the life he lives each day.

For no matter what confronts him,

no matter what comes his way,

The Elder faces life with the reality

that what is meant to be will be,

He lives his life with dignity,

He lives his life with pride.

His life reflects the balance