 Watehica By Eya Mani INDIAN GIRL(United Tribes Pow Wow-1999) A Poem by Eya Mani so many women...in so many outfits...with so many colors in the brief moment you glanced towards the Veterans your eyes smiled...then the downward look a sadness...a pride...a silent prayer so many women...in so many outfits...with so many colors as I made my way to the Arena...I knew I would not be disappointed standing tall...eyes scanning the crowd...the ever slight smile a silent promise, "Today I dance for the People." so many women...in so many outfits...with so many colors you spread your shawl...and I could feel the Eagle spread its wings rising with the heartbeat...gathering strength with each downward motion and I will swear...your beaded boots never touched the ground from so many places...from so many posts...all with a common purpose I will remember today...the beauty...the strength...the courage...the promise and when I see an eagle soaring...gliding...turning... I will remember you...as you have remembered me. Eya Mani...Cowboy, Longhaul Truck Driver, Musician, Tipimaker, Tribal Councilman, Viet Nam Combat Veteran (USMC), poet and storyteller...John Luke Flyinghorse Sr., and his wife of 27 years, Sandra Phyllis Bald Eagle, live in Wakpala, South Dakota on the Standing Rock Reservation with their children. "WATEHICA-That Which You Hold Dear..." Book I is a small collection of Poems and Short stories, some very old...and some contemporary. The forthcoming "WATEHICA-That Which You Hold Dear..." Book II is a larger collection of Poems and Short stories. 
"Every once in a while you may be fortunate enough to meet and become good friends with a very special person. That opportunity came for me when I had the pleasure of meeting John Luke Flyinghorse. (His) writings pour out emotions ..... some humorous, some soulful and others that will give you a modern-day insight into life on the reservation. Writings like INDIAN GIRL which take you along to share the beauty and humility of a young woman dancing at the Pow Wow. Come along with me and get to know this spiritual, caring and thoughtful person. Enjoy!" |