Talking Paint

Alone ~

drenched in water jewels,

emerging from stream cleansed

to face sun, Giver of Fire, Giver of Life,

offering praise unspoken

to the Great Spirit breathing through

greenness of green,

blueness of blue,

rockness of rocks,

inspired to listen ~

all in abeyance

but spirit itself.

Wind, rain and stars are the Bible

for studying earth’s face,

Peace Pipe, the weapon to war

for a path run closer to God.

Smoke, drawn into lungs,

emerges through nostrils,

rises to mists of clouds

translated into prayer.

Alone ~

immersed in gift of wisdom

blanketing creased body,

crowning headdress

feathered with good deeds,

walking amongst the Grandfathers

he talks with God.

© Vivien Steels

Published in The Beehive/Just Words 2001, in Write-Away - Summer 2002

& Panda Poetry No: 16 – October 2003

Illustrated with 'Rocky Bear' - Oglala Chief c.1899 © Vivien Steels