| Hidden Things! She did not stop to think, as joy lifted her feet like wings across that field she flew, arms wide, apron flying in the wind. Her laughter bubbling into the air, exploding clouds of birds never looking left, or right, afraid to take her eyes from that sight. So many, changes had come to their People, this war was just one more so many choices had been forced on us, fighting for the South was another. They knew, they would soon be moving there were no choices left, none given six long years, he had fought their battles of seven brothers, five were left standing. The best, of the family’s horses had been hidden kept as secret as the caves left by grandmother watched over by the women, saved for this moment we had saved much more, but this was most important. For a while the family must scatter for safety, the lands would be bought by a friend that was trusted put into trust, to be returned when things are settled so many plans are laid, for a better future. Jourdan, John's grandfather says; all will be well the white man thinks us stupid, and too lazy to work he does not understand why we will not over use the lands or cut down all the trees, and dam up all the waters. One day, the lands will all be returned to our Peoples so that we may heal them, return them to the beauty we see on that day, like today, we must be ready, have a plan so that our grandchildren will be ready to move as well. Today, she only wanted to laugh, hold him close, touch his face believe that finally he was home, in her arms where he belonged as her hair tumbled around them, in a warm soft living mess his own laughter joined her own as he gently brushed it away. Yes, many changes were brought by that war between the States and many more were soon to follow, but for the Aniyunwiyv they were devastating, unbelievable to most thinking humans a continuing genocide, called "Indian Wars", but really slaughters. But for a few, there were moments of joy, seconds of love precious times when families came together, to plan to hide their "secrets", their Sacred Things, sometimes that meant their very blood lines, and some of those, are hidden still! granny! Sometimes our family stories tell much more than funny little happenings if only we will listen. So many things are lost by shutting our Elders away, losing contact in our hurry. Each day I thank Creator for all the time I was given, not only with grandparents, but great grandmothers as well. © Sheila Williams |
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