Native2

The Twenty Third Psalm
(An Indian Version)

The GREAT FATHER above a SHEPERD CHIEF is.
I amHis and with Him I want not.
He throws out to me a rope
and the name of the rope is love
and he draws me to where the grass is green
and the water is not dangerous,
and I eat and lie down and am satisfied.
Sometimes my heart is very weak and falls down
but He lifts me up again and draws me into a good road.
His name is WONDERFUL.

Sometime, it may be very soon, it may be a long long time,
He will draw me into a valley.
It is dark there, but I'll be afraid not,
for it is between the mountains
that the SHEPERD CHIEF will meet me
and the hunger that I have in my heart all through life
will be satisfied.

Sometimes He makes the love rope into a whip,
but afterwards He gives me a staff to lean upon.
He spreads a table before me me with all kinds of foods.
He puts His hand upon my head and all the "tired" is gone.
My cup He fills till it runs over.
What I tell is true.
I lie not.
These roads that are "away ahead" will stay with me
through this life and after;
and afterwards I will go to live in the Big Teepee
and sit down with the SHEPERD CHIEF forever.

- George Hunt (Kiowa)