cree prophecy

one of my all-time favorites. though the overall tone is a bit depressing, i think it would be wise to see this as advice; the kind of helpful advice that a older brother would give his younger ones.

only after the last tree has been cut down,

only after the last river has been poisoned,

only after the last fish has been caught,

only then will man discover that money cannot be eaten.

Sioux Prayer

Oh Great Spirit

Whose voice I hear in the winds,

And whose breath gives life to all the world,

Hear me, I am small and weak, I need your strength and wisdom.

Let me walk in beauty and make my eyes ever behold the red and purple sunset.

Make my hands respect the things you have made and my ears sharp to hear your voice.

Make me wise so that I may understand the things you have taught my people.

Let me learn the lessons you have hidden in every leaf and rock.

I seek strength, not to be greater than my brother, but to fight my greatest enemy - myself.

Make me always ready to come to you with clean hands and straight eyes.

So when life fades, as the fading sunset, my Spirit may come to you without shame.