Great-Grandmother

By Gypsie-Ami Offenbacher-Ferris

In response to Bartholomew Barker’s Monday poetry prompt – Native.

She spoke to Manetôwa daily
In her soft and aged voice
Morning noon and night
before each meal or perceived slights

Great Manetôwa protect this girl
blood of my blood bone of my bone
her parents now reside with you
I know I will be there soon too

I hear your distant call
Oh Great One in the Sky
Soon to see my mother
my father and the others

My time was long
my life was blessed
I pray I’ve passed all your tests
In truth I am ready for my long rest

My soft brown skin is saggy now
not firm and strong as once it was
My braids once black as night
now reflect a white moon bright

Many years have come and gone
families slain to steal our lands
What once was pure clean and good
reduced now to ash gray wood

Great Manetôwa hear my prayer
look down from your mountain high
Protect and keep my children safe
especially the littlest waif

Into Your soil I’ll commit myself
Your essence healing broken spirits
Until one day when it’s right and true
We’ll all return to honor You