Remember Gerald One Feather

It’s over now. Memorial. We came
to share our memories, to say farewell.
Lakota Dome. The Reservation. On
the land the quickly-broken-treaties left.
But more is left than land. A culture’s still
alive because of those like Gerald who
held on to what they learned and taught, who knew
the value of traditions that maintained
relationship, respect of all for all.
Three days we sit and pray and walk to view
the body and to shake each others hands
and finally to go with Gerald to
the grave where, standing in a soaking rain,
we cleanse ourselves of any vestiges
of doubt concerning our ability
to stay aware as Gerald was aware
and helped us through his friendship be aware
of how despite diversity we’re one.

​by Martin Cobin​