This is my quiet refuge;
Another time and space.
When I commune with nature,
This a perfect place!

In centering my being
And quieting my soul,
I blend with all the elements;
A fragment of the whole.

I lose all sense of time here;
It's only one big day!
I burn a bit of cedar,
It is the Native way.

I then unroll my prayer mat,
In order to begin
A solemn time with Spirit
With the "Holy Medicine."

This bitter plant is sacred,
Creator's way to help.
It picks a man back up again;
Returns him to his "self."

While smoking my tobacco
Rolled in a crisp corn shuck,
Our conversation then becomes
An oath that's sealed in trust.


I speak what I am feeling
And open up my heart.
Beginning with a thankful word,
And then the burdens start.

I pour out all my longings,
For myself and others, too.
I merge with our Creator's will
And learn what I should do.

I feel the breezes blowing,
And hear the robins sing.
The flowers are all blooming;
I'm one with everything.

And when my prayers are over
I'm lifted far above.
I overflow with gratitude
For I am his beloved.

If you would like to join me
In this most tranquil place,
We'll have our sights raised up, as we
Enjoy unbounded grace!



D. Ames - 2002
You are always welcome in my gazebo.