Anniversary

photo credit: Robert Janz, Lago de Atitlan, Guatemala 1928

Robert Janz, Sr.
Born: October 11, 1903
Died: January 31, 1985 of leukemia
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~~~~~~~In the Moon of Frost on the Omaha
my father died,
not of a chill wind
but of a long brave life.
The blood that ran from his veins
had little left;
it had been spilt in behalf
of his peoples over and over
again in droplets since he first
discovered the need.
And, oh! What a need he
stumbled upon.
The oldest son, then chief of our
ragtag family--no one
can succeed him: our tribe dies out.
But goodness goes on.
Kindness is never overwhelmed.
His words from the books are remembered.
His magic dance of power is handed down.
The Great Spirit receives him
with a slap of thunder
to a place beyond the stars.
Goodnight, my father.
Your obedient daughter weeps for you;
the mighty oceans catch her tears
and toss them to the clouds.
In the Moon of the Red Grass Appearing,
they will bring fresh rain to the earth
you loved so well.
The land will bloom once more for you.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Christine (1985)~~~