I walked into the old feed store dressed in full regalia.
Thinking of my people and the many pains you suffered while you
walked on here on Mother Earth.
These are modern times had it been long ago I too would not
have been allowed. The sign "No Indians Allowed" would have hung
over my head. I would have been thrown into the streets, beaten
and maybe even killed for having dared entered this building.
I walked proudly through this store with my head held high.
Thoughts of you weighing heavily on my heart,mind and spirit.
I walked there for you and all the others who have passed on
before me. My moccasins making no noises as I walked throughout
the store. Soft quiet steps as i felt the sacredness of this walk.
Others not taking any notice of me and the importance this moment
held for me. The importance this moment meant to all of us.
The sacredness of this moment. The pride I carried in each step.
As I made many circles in this old store that once long ago would
not have allowed me to be within it�s doors.
I would have been shoved to the side told get away
your not wanted here.
Your kind belongs on the other side of the street.
Your on the wrong side of the railroad tracks.
Get away from here you,dirty Indian ,you squaw......
Such pain I feel in my heart for you my people
The injustices you suffered just because your skin was darker
I today feel your pain for there are those who look at my fair
skin and judge for it.They don�t look past the skin to what my
heart and spirit tell of me.I know they judge me.
So you see I too feel a kinship to the pain and injustices you
had to suffer. As a man "Two Eagles" once told me. Remember our
Ancestors the pain they had to suffer, hold you head up proudly
and don�t let others make your feel ashamed of who you are.
Aho
December 1998
