respect
a simple word
one with much meaning
but forgotten
in these days
filled with uncertainty
respect for the People
respect for sacred ceremonies
respect for the land
respect for each other
seem to be gone
while the boys in dc
play with our future
dangerously enough
that the future
of the coming generations
is threatened greatly
with all that is done
and not in a good way
these malignant threats
that continue to face us

many threats arise
to the land
to its waters
to Mother Earth's well-being
threatening her children
all because of this lack,
this lack of respect
for the People
for the ceremonies
for the land
for each other
greed reigns
in this lust for power
for this is nothing more
than a power play
at the expense
of those who matter
words they say
often ignored
words from the past
still echoing, those of
Grandmother Roberta

the time must come
to return what is missing
to return to that respect
for the People,
for the ceremonies,
for the land,
for each other
to continue the work
begun by one
who has passed over
but much is left
so much needs
to be completed
to bring back that respect
to dispel the chaos
promised by those boys in dc
who have no care for anything
other than for themselves
life is not about only them
and their power plays
it is about the future

yes, one simple word
but much needed now
     RESPECT
Mitakuye Oyasin