Steps of Stone

"We planted you, we nurtured you, we protected you
until you became a mighty tree that spread through our
hunting grounds. With its branches you now lash us."
          - Mississauga Chief



Steps leading to a clearing used by the Rideau Lakes
Mississauga, of the Ojibwe or Anishinaabe nation, for
traditional Sun Dance and other ceremonies.



Steps of Stone


I sit on ancient steps of stone.
I'm by myself, but not alone.
The presence of ten thousand souls
imbues me with their joys and goals.

The steps lead to a sacred place;
a place of love and hope and grace.
They danced to celebrate the sun
before the white man and the gun.

I seek what they sought; love and peace ~
for wars around the world to cease.
To live a life of nature's plan
in harmony with fellow man.

In harmony with living things
and everything that nature brings.
I sit on ancient steps of stone
with souls to guide me on my own.