I AM

I AM lucky!  Once in a while as one travels through life, you are afforded a priviledge that makes you know you are truly blessed.  That is how I feel about the good fortune of my path crossing that of my dear friend Van Bevil.  On Etsy and Artfire, Van is known as Kicking Bear and/or his nemesis, Coastal Artist. 

He is a renaissance man.  A man for all seasons. 

He is one of a dying breed that speaks fluent Tsalagi (Cherokee) as well as many other languages.

He is an accomplished wild life artist.  I am posting one of my favorites from his work here.  It is entitled, "Going Home".  More of his fine art wild life pieces can be viewed at www.coastalartist.etsy.com

He is a Cherokee Elder who is vastly respected.  He grows many of our sacred plants in the "old way" and creates many forms of Native American arts and crafts.  I have selected one of his Ulinawi Tsola Pouches (Turtle Tobacco) to share with you.

His Native Art can also be viewed in his Etsy store.  www.etsy.kickingbear.com

Van is in the process of writing a book.  He sent this passage to me yesterday and I asked for permission to share these beautiful words with you.  He graciously gave me permission to do so.

I AM

by Kicking Bear

I am the stillness of the receding night, I am the touch of the morning dew on the green corn. I am the sound of the Katydid singing to the rising sun, I am the buzz of the Honey Bee dancing across the face of the Sun Flower. I am the warmth of the early morning rays of Grandfather Sun warming the People’s lodges.

I am the breeze that makes the leaves of the Standing People sing, I am the breath of the grass as it dances to and fro. I am the heart beat of Mother Earth as she gives the rythum to life. I am the quiet murmer of the People as they awake. I am the soft voices of the women at work. I am the laughter of children at play.

I am the snap of a bowstring as young men hone their skills, I am the silence of the Elders as they meditate, speaking with the Ancestors. I am the smoke from the Sacred Fire carrying prayers up to the Creator. I am the soft song sung by a Grandmother as she weaves a reed basket.

I am the rythmic sound of women grinding corn, I am the gentle rocking of a Grandmother as she comforts a child. I am the Anisahoni clan making medicines to keep the children well. I am the swishing sound of the Anigilohi clan as they strut through the camp with their long hair flowing.

I am the Anitsiskwa clan repairing their bird snares and practicing with their blowguns. I am the Eagle catcher as he prepares to hunt the mighty Eagle. I am the Aniwodi clan as they sit making medicine for the People. I am the Anikawi clan as they stalk through the woods hunting the deer.

I am the Anigatogewi clan as the walk the swamps and streams seeking wild potatoes and roots for the People. I am the Aniwayah clan as they prepare to track the Wolf. I am the War Chiefs and the Peace Chiefs that defend and keep order in the village. I am the crackling of the fire as meals are prepared.

I am the flash of lightening followed by the distant voice of Thunder. I am the freshness of a shower and the smell of fresh moist dirt. I am the Sunset as Grandfather Sun begins to give up his light and warmth.. I am the “In Between Time” that sacred time between light and dark when the Ancestors return to sing and dance.

I am the brightness of Grandmother moon as she shares her healing energy as she searches the Great Sky Vault for her lost love. I am the voice of the story teller as he tells of the joys and sadnesses of the People. I am the stories told around the campfire, a living history of the Peoples. I am that which never dies ….. I am the spirit of the People.

© 2011 from the unpublished works of KickingBear

 

Kicking Bear is the Spirit of His People.

 

I AM..... lucky that our paths on the Red Road crossed.  I admire his many talents, laugh at his humerous jokes, reflect on his words of wisdom, and share his love of fry bread.  He is a true Native Renaissance Man.

 

I AM...... pleased to call him my brother!

 

Kicking Bear....Witsatologi nihi,aisv gvdodi utiyvhi ale nvwatohiyadv

(Many prayers and blessings to you,Walk with balance and harmony)

Saquu