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I went to the river today, I slowly made my way, down the wooded path, eager to get there, how much I needed this day.
The long winter that would not leave, the heavy snows that would not yield, a way down that wooded path to the river I love so well. Obstacles to my need, but now gone, except for the physical struggle to go along the path I love so well, knowing that more than ever, I need to be well.
The smells were everywhere the sudden burst of spring filled the air and the wind and the earth and the trees and the birds - new life bursting forth, new life to this one, who walks along a wooded path to a place I love so well. I place I need more and more as I face the enemies' trail.
I can hear the roar of the falls - the heavy winter melt, that cascades from the tallest of mountains through woods and rocks and the river flows so strong and swift, so pure so cold. There is the strong smell of earth, of its time under the flow of the mighty river, the river I love so well, the mighty Saco.
The river is very high and flowing swift and strong, here and there upon its back, there's the white of ice and snow, carried from the mountains, carried with the flow, carried to the sea, from the mighty Saco.
I can walk along her banks and see and smell and feel. The might, the strength, the beauty of her ever-lasting flow. What strength she gives to me - her waters cleanse my soul, the song she sings in the spring brings courage to my soul.
All around me I am surrounded by my relations. Each a special creation. I sit upon the bank and light the sacred smoke - sage and cedar and tobacco burn, an honoring to the hope - that the river and our Mother's blood will never end, but the return of each spring will bring her back again.
I leave refreshed, renewed. I too have changed, as the river's course renews itself each spring, it always gives to me, beauty, peace and strength and the determination to return again and again.
For I love this River and the land I walk upon. My greatest wish is when I pass, my spirit will live on, in the mighty river and on her banks, through the wooded paths along the trails I've passed. I will walk here forever and hear the mighty roar - watch the beautiful river flow swift and strong, and with the Hawk may my Spirit be blessed to soar!
© Svhyeyi Aga - Evening Rain
Cherokee
May 3, 2001 131am est
Photographs © Evening Rain