T'áá Diné Nishli

by

Della Frank

I am that which is: A Navajo Person.
This feeling is around, above, and below me...
I am the Beauty Way stories
From long ago...when skies and land were clear
Before "misinterpretations" disrupted our ways, thoughts, and
Lives as T'áá Diné: the Navajo People . . .
And I: Being of Female Origin, and He: Being of Male Origin . . .
Tenderly rise inside this round earth home: Nihimá Bighan . . .
We put upon our feet: the moccasins.
And enclose in our hands, and with reverence
We hold to you: the corn pollen . . .
We have risen at early dawn to greet Father Sun
Warm, comforted and cuddled by rays of Gentle Spirits
Silently, slowly, constantly and gently turning
We have welcomed the all-loving Mother Earth . . .
We sing songs: of despair, fear, and uncertainties . . .
And throw these sensations to the stars . . .
In its place we welcome: inspiration, love and strength
To carry us through as T'áá Diné: the Navajo People . . .
We pray
To Dawn of Summer Rain
Reds of sunset
And Whites of Corn Pollen
With garments made by Holy Beings
We ask Dark Swirling Clouds
To hear our humble voices
Ringing out in valleys, hills, and along canyon walls . . .
With renewed strength
We stand before you
In fine sash belts, silky shirts, and silver jewelry . . .
We pray
To the east:
We ask that we reevaluate ourselves,
Our values, and our belief systems . . .
To the south:
We ask that we live long happy lives,
Perceiving aspects of "right" and "not right" decisions
and the consequences that await us with each decision . . .
To the west:
We ask that we remember our connections
To every other being by acknowledging our Clan Structure . . .
May we be humble to "Walk Around" and to "Mexican Water" clans . . .
May we remember to set goals, according to our needs, wants, and wishes . . .
To the north:
We ask that we continue to have hope,
Respect, and perseverance: Of and about Nature . . .
We ask that we remain humble every day, toward one another . . .
May we always ask one another, "What are some ways . . .
To solve our daily problems as T'áá Diné?"
T'áá Diné:And may we through this process
Feel assured of our capabilities . . .
With a profound respect for every other entity around us
With these thoughts in mind
Oh Great Spirit
We make our final turn
And again: Face the west
And therupon re-enter our Hooghan . . .
And rest . . .
I am that which is: A Navajo Person . . .
T'áá Diné Nishli
From Neon Powwow edited by Anna Lee Walters, Northland Press
© 1993 Della Frank .
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