Friday Poetry: Chief Yellow Lark

Happy Friday!

My chosen poem for today is actually more of a prayer but I think it is beautiful and worth sharing.

Chief Yellow Lark (c.1850-1915) was a Sioux Indian Chief in the late 19th century. He translated several Sioux prayers into English.

Great Spirit Prayer

Oh, Great Spirit,
Whose voice I hear in the winds
and whose breath gives life to all the world. 
Hear me! I need your strength and wisdom.
Let me walk in beauty, and make my eyes
ever hold the red and purple sunset.
Make my hands respect the things you have made
and my ears sharp to hear your voice. 
Make me wise so that I may understand
the things you have taught my people.
Let me learn the lessons you have hidden
in every leaf and rock. 

Help me remain calm and strong in the 
face of all that comes towards me.
Help me find compassion without
empathy overwhelming me.
I seek strength, not to be greater than my brother,
but to fight my greatest enemy: myself.
Make me always ready to come to you
with clean hands and straight eyes.
So when life fades, as the fading sunset,
my spirit may come to you without shame. 

Chief Yellow Lark