The Funeral

The Funeral (Wieahnakapi)

Dave’s brother was eaten by his dogs. At least a third of him was.
In a broken home with locked doors nestled in a field among trees

No shouts were heard as drugs and booze numbed his waking.
Alone he died with the cries of generations like whispers
Moving through the trees.

The prairie wind snapped the edges of the make shift tents as the women placed the feast food and family gifts on the floor.

Prayers rose to the sky and were carried away in the blessing of the sweet grass. Servers passed the food in gentle caring circles with the elders filling baskets and containers to sustain them at home.

Words were shared and quiet conversation passed the time until all was given and nothing was left. In a beautiful rhythm on that hot July day the many gathered followed their same way home.

Dave’s brother was dead. Dave leaned on the truck. His mother had fallen asleep on the couch alongside her home.

Todd Sojonky 2002