Native Writers

Their biggest fears

Their biggest fear is an American Indian movement

Their biggest fear is for all of our first peoples to be in their right mind undiluted

Their biggest fear is for our people to take what they created and use it against them

Their biggest fear is for our people to be educated in our culture in our traditions,

Their biggest fear is for our people to educated thru their schools and universities

Their biggest fear is for our people to have a voice

Their biggest fear is for our people to use their own minds

Their biggest fear is for our people to be knowledgeable about what we are doing

Their biggest fear is for our people to come together

Their biggest fear is for our people to be productive

Their biggest fear is for our people to be independent

Their biggest fear is for our people not to rely on them

Their biggest fear is for our people to see things the way they are

Their biggest fear is for us to see the elements as material things and not spiritual things

Their biggest fear is for our people to have our religions the creator gave to us

Their biggest fear is for our people to remember our history

Their biggest fear is for our people to remember what they done

Their biggest fear is for our people to use our own language

Their biggest fear is for our people to have our songs

Their biggest fear is for our people to have spirituality

Their biggest fear is for our people to love each other again

Their biggest fear is for our people to remember the natural laws

Their biggest fears are our greatest assets

Clinton R. McCloud December 2007

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Submitted by Florette Shelley Misketo Eaglespeaker

The Pipe

Slowly crawling, dark, smelly, cold, hot and scary, I can see a very dim light ahead. Man, I am hungry and very, very tired. But I have got to keep crawling; if I fall asleep I might freeze or even die. I am so, so scared, my knees hurt, my hands are raw. I' am dirty and I stink. The light is getting closer and I am starting to feel better about almost getting there, warmer inside by knowing I will soon be there. “Oh Man, I'm falling a sleep and crawling at the same time, what am I doing'!! I have got to stay focused. Got to get out of this pipe, how did I even get into this darn place anyhow! I knew I should have left my friends alone. My hands are bleeding, Man I just want to cry, just really, really cry! I want my Mom! (Silence, only the hollow sound of myself shuddering and deeply crying) Okay, Okay pull yourself together, well, maybe now I will stay awake and get to the end of this hell confined place. I need help though; grandpa always says to sing when you are scared and alone. Okay here goes; Hay ya, heyyyy, Hay ya hay, See-ma-too, See-ma-too, hay ya hay! God please help and guide me, I cannot do this by myself. Hay ya, hayyyy, See-ma-too, See-ma-too!!! Finally, HEY, I'm there, at the end of this pipe, I'm there, I'm there and at the end of this endless madness. OH! Soon I can eat and sleep. Thank- you Jesus.

This is my path of being on drugs and alcohol, at times just when I thought I would get to the end I would relapse and then again I would get back on the red road. My first year was hell I was very, very drug sick, and at times I felt it would be easier if I went back to my drugs. Now ten years later, “Today” I am a clean and happy. I am a Native American woman who's culturally gifted by my community, with my greatest thanks, is to God. I want to let everyone know you are not alone, I have been there.

Florette Shelley Misketo Eaglespeaker McAlpin.
10-27-06

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Submitted by Clinton McCloud

We have no choice but to become stronger
We have no choice to become stronger when some one steps out of our life against our own will When we have to move on with out them
When we have to figure out a way to do the things they were suppose to do
When we feel the gloom in the hall ways and have to deal with it
We are becoming stronger with every tear and every heart ache, it is making us stronger,
As an individual and as a team we become stronger
In the new morning I know I am stronger than I was yesterday
With the support of my friends and loved ones I will make it to
Another morning another month another year,
Another year where I have lived and learned
Not only for myself but for the ones that lean on me
And need the strength, to make it to
Another day another week another season
I am here to support you, to support me and to support us
Because together and individually were are strength for this community
Our community.

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Submitted by Florette Shelley Misketo Eaglespeaker

Can I change races with you today?

So that I can get an apartment,

Because, I cannot seem to qualify (even in the ghetto)

Anywhere this morning

Can I change races with you today?

So that I can get a car loan,

Because my Indian car scares people,

which smokes and chokes every morning.

Can I change races with you today?

So that I can be equal to other college students

Who seem to think that I have a disease?

By choosing not to sit by me

At the college I now attend every morning.

Can I change races with you today?

So that I will not get profiled out and get a

driving ticket, also this morning.

Can I change races with you today?

So that I can get a decent job?

Employers still don’t believe me when I say I am dependable.

And been alcohol and drug free for 10 years,

I guess to him/her every Native is a drunk!

God granted me my Native American

race and chose me! A female!

Cause he knew I could handle it. But isn’t a shame

That even today there is hatred and prejudice everywhere.

SO, I would not choose to be any other race, but Native American!!

 “BUT” not to nag! Lord  Jesus could you please help

Me with my temper.

Cause every time I knock on the door

Of opportunity it’s slammed in my face

Every morning.

By:

Florette Shelley Misketo Eagle Speaker

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Submitted by Clinton McCloud:

LET US FLORISH

Please Creator
The one that created all, the one that has infinite understanding.
I pray to you
Please grandmothers and grandfathers that have gone on before us
I pray to you
All of our ancestors back to the beginning of time
I pray to you
To all of our spiritual brothers and sisters
The plants the animals the insects the wind the water the fire the mother earth the unknown elements in the universe
I pray to you for the understanding and the knowledge
To let us flourish
Let us flourish in the old ways
Let us have the knowledge of yesterday
and the knowledge of today, so we can use it in a good way.
If we have earned it,
Let us flourish in the old ways of our people
Let us have that connection and understanding with all of our surroundings like our people so abundantly had.
Please Grandmothers and Grandfathers
Let us have the understanding of the universe at our finger tips
Like you once had, so we can carry our people into another millennia
I come to you
And ask you to help us in this way,
Because the line of our elders grows thinner with everyday
And the knowledge that our young people have of the old ways grow thinner
Let us flourish with the teachings and the understanding of “why”
I come to you as the son and as the grandson and so on
And ask you to pass this thru the good hearts of our people
And touch the hearts that may have strayed from the straight and narrow path.
So we can be undivided and stand strong together once again.
The time of our traditions and culture are growing thin
So I'm going back to the basics of praying and asking you my ancestors that have gone on before me but most of all I am asking you, our creator the source of all for this guidance.

With all my heart, your son

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One Flaw In Native Women

Native Women have strengths that amaze men.

They bear hardships and they carry burdens,
but they hold happiness, love and joy.
They smile when they want to scream.
They sing when they want to cry.

They cry when they are happy
and laugh when they are nervous.
They fight for what they believe in.
They stand up to injustice.
They don't take "no" for an answer
when they believe there is a better solution.

They go without so their family can have. 
They love unconditionally.
They cry when their children excel
and cheer when their friends get awards. 

They are happy when they hear about
a birth or a wedding.

Their hearts break when a friend dies.
They grieve at the loss of a family member,
yet they are strong when they
think there is no strength left.
They know that a hug and a kiss
can heal a broken heart.
Native Women come in all shapes, and sizes.
They'll walk, run or ride on horse back far just
to be with you, that is how much they care about you.

The heart of a Native woman is what
makes the world keep turning.
They bring joy, hope and love.
They have compassion and ideas.
They give moral support to their
family and friends.

Native Women have vital things to say
and everything to give.
HOWEVER, IF THERE IS ONE FLAW IN NATIVE WOMEN,
IT IS THAT THEY FORGET THEIR WORTH.


Please pass this along to all your native women friends and relatives to remind them just how amazing they are.

 

Writings Submitted by Flo McAlpin

This was written by a young girl who was in jail for drug charges, and was addicted to meth. She wrote this while in jail. As you will soon read, she fully grasped the horrors of the drug, as she tells in this simple, yet profound poem. She was released from jail, but, true to her story, the drug owned her. They found her dead not long after, with the needle still in her arm.

Please keep praying. This thing is worse than any of us realize...

My Name Is Meth

I destroy homes, I tear families apart,
take your children, and that's just the start.
I'm more costly than diamonds, more precious than gold,
The sorrow I bring is a sight to behold.
If you need me, remember I'm easily found,
I live all around you - in schools and in town
I live with the rich, I live with the poor,
I live down the street, and maybe next door.
I'm made in a lab, but not like you think,
I can be made under the kitchen sink.
In your child's closet, and even in the woods,
If this scares you to death, well it certainly should.
I have many names, but there's one you know best,
I'm sure you've heard of me, my name's crystal meth.
My power is awesome, try me you'll see,
But if you do, you may never break free.
Just try me once and I might let you go,
But try me twice, and I'll own your soul.
When I possess you, you'll steal and you'll lie,
You do what you have to -- just to get high.
The crimes you'll commit for my narcotic charms
Will be worth the pleasure you'll feel in your arms.
You'll lie to your mother, you'll steal from your dad,
When you see their tears, you should feel sad.
But you'll forget all your morals and how you were raised,
I'll be your conscience, I'll teach you my ways.
I take kids from parents, and parents from kids,
I turn people from God, and separate friends.
I'll take everything from you, your looks and your pride,
I'll be with you always -- right by your side.
You'll give up everything - your family, your home,
Your friends, your money, then you'll be alone.
I'll take and take, till you have nothing more to give,
When I'm finished with you, you'll be lucky to live.
If you try me be warned - this is no game,
If given the chance, I'll drive you insane.
I'll ravish your body, I'll control your mind,
I'll own you completely, your soul will be mine.
The nightmares I'll give you while lying in bed,
The voices you'll hear, from inside your head.
The sweats, the shakes, the visions you'll see,
I want you to know, these are all gifts from me.
But then it's too late, and you'll know in your heart,
That you are mine, and we never shall part.
You'll regret that you tried me, they always do,
But you came to me, not I to you.
You knew this would happen, many times you were told,
But you challenged my power, and chose to be bold.
You could have said no, and just walked away,
If you could live that day over, now what would you say?
I'll be your master, you will be my slave,
I'll even go with you, when you go to your grave.
Now that you have met me, what will you do?
Will you try me or not? It's all up to you.
I can bring you more misery than words can tell,
Come take my hand, let me lead you to hell.

Message by Sidney Has No Horses:                                        October 17, 2005


RETYPED TRANSCRIPT OF THE COUNCIL PROCEEDINGS HELD IN EAGLE BUTTE, SOUTH DAKOTA ON OCTOBER 4, 2005 REGULAR OCTOBER SESSION.

ROBERT WALTERS: Mr. Chairman, thank-you and council with us is Sidney Has No Horses.  He is a medicine man from Oglala and Mr. Chairman, he has a message that he's going to all the tribes, all the reservations with that come out of a ceremony and I feel it's a good message. I visited Mr. Has No Horses and so at this time, I'd like to give the floor to him.

SIDNEY HAS NO HORSES: Mitakuye Oyasin. All my relatives. I'd like to get in the middle if I could. I really don't like to use a mic.  My name is Sidney Has No Horses. I'm from the Pine Ridge reservation. You probably know my father; his name was Dawson Has No Horses. He was a yuwipi man, a powerful medicine man. My grandfather's name is Frank Fools Crow. He was also a powerful medicine man. Six months ago, we had a ceremony, in this ceremony, two angels come to me and they talked to me and they told us the devastation that would happen to the islands and the Indian Ocean. They told us of the earthquakes that would hit Japan. They told us of the earthquakes that will hit South America and the also told us of the Tsunami that wiped out al the people and they told us of the hurricanes that came to Florida, the one that come to New Orleans and the one that went to Texas. There's one more hurricane coming to wipe out another city. Two weeks ago, we had another ceremony, Sitting Bull came in and he talked to me; Crazy Horse , he talked to me; Chief Big Foot talked to me and the asked me to go to the Seven Council Fires and the Council people and to warn all of these fires, within six months. There's going to be a tidal wave that's going to wipe out Los Angeles. Within six months there's going to be an eruption in the northwest with the volcanoes. Two eruptions within six months. They say from the eruptions of theses volcanoes, the ash is coming; the Missouri River will be destroyed. They say the water that we drink from the ground will no longer be drinkable. These hardships are coming because God is bringing this. Whether you believe in Christianity, Native American Church or the traditional way, if you read the Bible, we are going into the fourth seal. There's diseases coming that are going to wipe out our children and like this man said here, meth on our rez is very bad too. If we don't stop that, it's going to destroy the next generation; many vegetables are going to be born into our tribes. When I'm done here, I am going to Standing Rock and I am going to be stand in front of them, their council and tell them the same thing I am telling you now.  This winter is going to be a very cold for a long time. Ranchers are going to lose their horses and cows because it is not going to warm up. The price of propane is going to skyrocket and sometimes they are not going to be able to deliver the propane to families. This food issue in the Bible, it says one day there will be no food in the store's shelves. If you look at the hurricane, a lot of the stores, there's no food on the shelves. These people lost their homes. They can't drink the water and so I need to warn the tribes. Today, I came here without announcement, but to see you all gathered like this, I know God is on my side to see you gathered. The Sisseton-Wahpeton tomorrow will be gathered at 10:00 and they will hear what I have to say. The Flandreau people are going to be waiting for me tomorrow evening. I'm going to Fort Yates here, I'm going to talk to them even it it's after hours and so I thank you very much for letting me come in and I'm thankful that I got all of you together at the same time. I offer you all a handshake. My name is Sidney Has No Horses; I'm from Batesland, South Dakota. You might want to write this down. My phone number is 605.288.0097.  We incorporate ourselves through the State of South Dakota to let you know that we are serious. Within six months we are going to be living in hell of a world and these chiefs have talked to me, and my cousins. If you ever want a ceremony, you get a hold of us and we will bring you a ceremony to let you believe. But the chiefs tell me, some of you have good hearts. Some of you have good minds. Some of you have spirituality. You are the people that will take heed on the words I bring and there are a lot of people that didn't believe us when everything we told them has happened and my president, Cecilia Fire Thunder, I talked to her yesterday and she supports because everything I told her would happen to our tribes has happened. The power of God, he knows what he's bringing to us and in three years, as keepers of Mother Earth, if the Seven Fires do not come together, there's going to be a meteorite that will coming and its going to hit off of San Francisco and they told us the Seven council fires, theses Seven Fires never has hate and jealousy toward each other. I've been trying to get the medicine men of Oglala to be in unity, but they can't and now God asked me to come and get all the tribal councils together and all the tribes together. That's a very hard job that he's given me. I'm very nervous as I stand here in front of you, but I tried to look you all in the eye to let you know that I'm for real and so at this time you have given me. I thank you. Now I'm going to Standing Rock. I will be going to every reservation. Maybe the tribal members will get together and at least the tribal presidents will have a ceremony for all of you to hear and believe God. All my relatives. Mitakuye Oyasin. You have my phone number and so if you have any questions, please contact me.


Friday December 2nd, 2005, when I was visiting at my daughter Lola and Sara place.  A Canoe family member from the Muckleshoot Tribe came and gave us this message, this mans name is Lit' Les. And I am the one who retyped this to send to all my relatives and Natives and friends that I personnally know, flo

Native in the City - Lily

my ears hear the cry of a people floundering, drowning
    in the city
where is my culture, my stories of my past
   in the city
where do I belong , where do I fit in
   in the city
at home I am native, in the street unknown
   in the city
all I knew when I grew was native
in my heart, in my soul
to my core.... native

native in the city        

by  lily