Old Cree Grandfather

honouring a man was showed me kindness and new knowledge when I was a preteen

               Old Cree Grandfather taught me to use my senses.

                        I can see with my ears,

                        I can taste the wind,

                        I can feel the spirits.

 

                        Old Cree Grandfather showed me how to read --

                        Prints in mud and snow,

                        Clouds on the horizon,

                        Thoughts on faces.

 

                        Old Cree Grandfather told me stories.

                        About the Great Manitou,

                        About the coming of the white-haired ones,

                        About the great hunters of long ago.

 

                        Old Cree Grandfather gave me gifts.

                        A thinking stone worn from use,

                        A feather for talking,

                        Pictures of Sister Moon.

 

                        Old Cree Grandfather planted the seeds of love.

                        I gained patience,

                        I learned forgiveness,

                        I discovered humbleness.

 

                        Old Cree Grandfather, I loved you.

                        Enough to wish you were my

                        Old Cree Grandfather.