I recently began reading Henry Wadsworth Longfellow’s epic poem ‘The Song of Hiawatha”. Or actually it is more accurate to say I have been listening to this work, as I think most poetry is best heard than read. Published in 1855, it predates the Civil War.
Longfellow’s work attempts to convey the legends and mythology of the Ojibwe people. I share this piece with every respect to this culture, as Longfellow’s words have met with some criticism, but I think if you read this out of the context and as if the Lord himself had written it, it speaks to the horror of recent events unfolding in the world. And with that, read on……
“O my children! my poor children!
Listen to the words of wisdom,
Listen to the words of warning,
From the lips of the Great Spirit,
From the Master of Life, who made you!
”I have given you lands to hunt in,
I have given you streams to fish in,
I have given you bear and bison,
I have given you roe and reindeer,
I have given you brant and beaver,
Filled the marshes full of wild-fowl,
Filled the rivers full of fishes;
Why then are you not contented?
Why then will you hunt each other?
”I am weary of your quarrels,
Weary of your wars and bloodshed,
Weary of your prayers for vengeance,
Of your wranglings and dissensions;
All your strength is in your union,
All your danger is in discord;
Therefore be at peace henceforward,
And as brothers live together.
-Henry Wadsworth Longfellow ,”The Song of Hiawatha” (excerpt from “The Peace Pipe”)
As Veteran’s Day is near, may we consider how we all might work to keep and promote peace.
– Bruce LaCrosse
P.S. As is my custom I share a sketch I have done on this theme.
Thanks be to God.
Thank you Bruce,
Betts
Wow! How timely and words for us all Thanks for sharing.
Thank you
Awesome Bruce
Thank you Bruce for sharing this very timely poem and your art work. I’m praying for peace.
Listening to poetry! 🤔
Bruce- what words of eloquence mark the conveyance of Native American belief, of the same one Lord of us all.
These thoughts have been mulling around in my mind the past few weeks as I try to grapple with understanding (or lack of understanding) the situation at hand – and I share those thoughts that speak to me within:
Great Spirit Moving
Have you heard nothing of the words I whisper in your ear
Nothing of the song I sing in your soul
Have you kept still the voice I echo inside
Have you silenced the will of the Great I AM
Have you learned nothing in these 2000 some years
Has the free will I gave you overshadowed the words I speak?
Do the choices you make speak of my Son
Do they show my words of Love
Do they walk his walk and talk what he taught
Do they do all – all things – in Love
I am waiting for you with arms of Love
I am waiting for my will to be done
I am waiting for you to hear
The sweet words I whisper in Love
Come to me all you who hunger
And I will give you peace
Come to me, follow me –
Live in peace – and in Love.
Thank you-yes it is hard in this day of instant news to see these images of death and destruction and not just stop in disbelief. Your thoughts are appreciated and thanks for reading mine, and Wads worth’s.