A poem for Oceti

This poem was written about experiencing the winter in North Dakota at Standing Rock

Alive and vibrant
composed voices echo through the wind with a prayer so strong
The whole of the Earth can feel it
Mni Wiconi bites the cutting cold
peaceful with prayers of healing in every breath
This sacred land this sacred place
of movement and prayers
of stories and love.
So powerful is our prayer it threatens
the very essence of a culture set up to control
bound together by the winters embrace
The fires burn through the night
weary souls keeping them lit.
dawn breaks and a prayer for the water rings in the solstice
prayer songs ring through the night
the Christians winter holiday brings the thunder beings and a fierce deep snow.
Everything already covered in white thickens canvas holds its weight as structures disappear.
Laughter and love are the course
Being in this place for mother
for wholeness for complete joy
letting go of fear of pain and rage
aware of oneness
emotions running high
friendships formed and tested to the core
the fires lit to keep us warm need to be the fire that keeps us engaged in movement
Mni Wiconi stills echos on the wind every day I live.