TRIBAL

i want the old ways
where stories were passed on
and elders were respected
hunting and gathering
and awe of the great spirit
ceremonies to celebrate the tribe
and unity of a culture
where one is part of all
and good deeds are applauded
and no meanness goes unpunished
for this is where love rules
and this is where law rules
and truth is the only way
and the animals and plants
and skies and rivers
are holy
and life is valued
sunsets are welcomed with prayer
sunsets are spent smoking the pipe
and families gather together
in front of bonfires
where ancestors dance
and children gaze in wonderment
at the scenes being brought to life
by wizened old men and women
who bask in the brilliance
of their wisdom and love