Forgiveness

For my Ojibwa grandmother.

Forgiveness

Can you live with hate, regret and sadness? My beautiful Ojibwa Grandmother taught us, you can not.

My Grandmother told me when I was seven. When I was six years old in 1922, the white man came to my home and they took me to a school. The nuns cut my hair, they changed my name and I wasn't allow to speak my language. I wore school uniforms and I was beaten often. I never saw my home again.

They broke my heart and I didn't understand. Today I don't hold hate, regret or sadness. Holding hate, regret and sadness is a heavy load to carry a lifetime.  I forgave them, but I did not forget.

Johnnie, we must know forgiveness to be able to see some good in our life. My grandchildren make me feel alive and good. I teach you the Ojibwa ways and I hope. You remember me. Teach your children, we were once born free and uncaged. We are of the great forest and we are part of nature energy. 

She would sing her Ojibwa songs to us and I watched her sad eyes. I knew as a child. The heartbreak she saw and I promised her. I would become like her. Teach the children to love the lakes, the forest and protect the free animals. She would smile and whisper. I pray you can.

Coyote

Reviews

[Einstein Noodle]

the failed attempt to "Westernize" the tribes was a poor choice .. the same tactics of intimidation and stoking fears were used on me and my fellow students as well ... and still do not work ... I don't know what its like in Catholic Schools these days ...but I hope they are taking Jesus' words about love to heart and into practice as they teach. The music soothed me soul Coyote Man .. and your words brought that sadness to my heart as well as hope as we all need to connect and teach of that connection to the Natural world. ..viewed scientifically as matter all made from the same but different attractions of atoms, ....even the tall concrete buildings are part of it all eh!? ... love this share this morning ..still enjoying the peace of the music :)
E.

[Coyote Poetry]

Thank you my friend. I try to be like my grandmother. We must teach our children to appreciate and love nature.

[Einstein Noodle]

yes indeed Coyote John! after all ... we are one with it whether we know it or not ;)

[Patricia Wedel]

Dear John... today my husband Roger and I listened to the Video of Music 🎶 you provided. It is very beautiful. truly, Pat

[Patricia Wedel]

dearest John... my heart has gone into hibernation to
read what you have endured. Be still my heart. This land
belonged to the IIndian Tribes in the beginning. I am proud
that my Son Robert married a Navajo young woman and they have
two beautiful daughters who are bright and happy in the love bestowed
by their Navajo Grandmother and Navajo Mother. It has brought our
family to a realization that "Love" can build a Bridge.. where we can
hold these truths to be fulfilled... "life and the Pursuit of Happiness in a
Nation of diversified inheritance. tenderly, Pat

[Coyote Poetry]

Thank you dear Pat. I wish we would learn. One earth and one people. We must be kind to each other.

[Ankita Dwivedi]

this piece is unsettling .People often fail to understand that no God in the world will ever want them to beat children or snatch their smile in the name of 'the path'.If therer is a God I am sure all he or she would want is hapiness ,equality and freedom.What else would a God want than watch children growing wings like ripened fruits and a smile which is more appealing than faith in humanity .It's just beautiful how you are carrying the legacy of your beloved grandmother who i am sure was an exquisite woman and so are you .
love, Ankita:)

[Coyote Poetry]

Thank you Ankita for reading and the comment. My Ojibwa grandmother was a amazing woman.

[Ankita Dwivedi]

I am sure she was. Looking forwrd to your work :)

[jacob erin-cilberto]

that is a lot to forgive...your grandmother was an amazing woman.
Those who can turn the other cheek like this...kudos to them for having the tender hearts to let go of the hate and anger.
j.

[Coyote Poetry]

She was a wonderful woman. She died too young. She held great pain and thank you dear Jacob for reading and the comment.

[Chris Shaw]

You honour her and she smiles down on you. This broke my heart. The cruelty and arrogance, and yet you forgive. Forgive yes, but never forget. Your grandmother a wise woman.

Chris

[Coyote Poetry]

She was and thank you dear Chris for reading and the comment. I do appreciate.