Redbutte
singular
tall against
Father Sky
her truth the
sediment of
centuries
shaped by
Eocene rivers
Silurian upheaval
winds and waters
of the Cherokee
and the Seminole.
Her silent serenity
a journey to Yosemite
mirror and mammoth
lakes and vernal falls.
Her guileless eyes
an open verdant valley
host to our pain and plight
to our darkest day and night
to grace and gifts we've divined.
Her words arrows to the mind
are calming creek or ripping torrent
born from spring and snow melted
by the sun of her zeal and love for
children - saplings torn from the soil
of their heritage risking their legacy
branches from birch and bois d'arc
scarred by ancient or recent hostilities.
Her smile warm as cuddling bear cubs
welcomes us – refugees from our wars
orphans of our emotions and relations
tempts us to loosen the grips of ego and
fall into our souls being angel offspring
of this woman-scout of the Great Spirit.

Dedicated to Valerie Lane, an American Indian of the Cherokee and Seminole Tribes and a dear friend.
July 14, 2001