Heritage Lost

I have been told that my great grandfather was full-blooded Native American. Unfortunately, I don't remember ever hearing what tribe he was from. Maybe one day when I have more time I'll research my ancestry and find out more about that side of my family.

Heritage Lost

Who are you, O ancient father?
By what name were you known?
I wonder what lands you called home.
These things I long to know.

What language was ours?
How big was our nation?
Were our neighbors friendly?
These things I yearn to know.

Did you hunt for your food?
Were there waters nearby for fishing?
Did you plant crops to feed your people?
These things I want to know.

Who nourished your soul?
Who did you look to when life was uncertain?
Whom did you thank for good fortune?
These things I need to know.

These questions haunt my days
and slither into my dreams.
I won't feel truly at peace
until these things I finally know.


Pat Nelson
March, 2010

Free Verse, no rhyming