I am getting forgetful. I thought about starting this by writing, “I am getting older.” I don’t know if ‘getting older’ and ‘getting forgetful’ are the same thing. I know I am getting forgetful because I cannot remember when I discovered author Kent Nerburn and began reading his books.
I think it was several years ago when I read the title to the third book of his ‘Indian elder Dan’ trilogy: The Girl Who Sang to the Buffalo. When I read the title, I knew I had to read the book, but when I found out it was the concluding book of a trilogy, I started with the first book, Neither Wolf Nor Dog. Reading the three books in succession was a grand experience that led me to read Dee Brown’s classic Bury My Heart at Wounded Knee. Emotions build in Nerburn’s trilogy but drop like a hammer in Wounded Knee. You cannot read Bury My Heart at Wounded Knee without becoming angry.
A few short days from now, I will begin my journey from Tucson to River Falls, Wisconsin. There are many possible routes. Yesterday, we decided to drive due north where we will pay our respects to the fallen at Wounded Knee, South Dakota before heading due East to our final destination.
For those unfamiliar with the incident, in 1890, the U.S. 7th Cavalry opened fire on a group of mostly unarmed Lakota Sioux. More than 150 men, women and children were killed. More than 20 of the assailants were awarded the Medal of Honor. In 1990, the U.S. Congress passed a resolution expressing ‘deep regret’ for the massacre. I am tempted to editorialize, but the facts speak for themselves.
Man’s inhumanity to man is never satiated. I suspect I will drive away from Wounded Knee with the same anger I felt when I returned from Haiti this spring. It will pass. Anger accomplishes nothing good.
As you think about that, I invite you to climb aboard the peace train. It is the only way to travel. If yo expect to be traveling in the coming months by plane, train, boat or bus, please consider traveling with an E.S. Kraay novel. All proceeds from the Kindle editions go directly to the children in Haiti. Just click on a cover to the right to read a good story and help the kids in Haiti while you are at it. Doing good appeases anger.
Amen.
Great, timeless post, Gene. God speed to Wounded Knee, River Falls and beyond. Blessings.
More to come on Wounded Knee once we get settled in.
Began listening to accompanying song, wondering when you !! wrote it, or if someone wrote it for you !!
Have been having carpenters come and go, and before that the painter, just can’t keep up, even with my reduced role in the improvements. Decided that since I had not yet sent $ for one of the Haiti kids, I will wait til my piggy bank is fattened up, and send the check later, most likely to you at your new !! address.
You two have had lots of adventures and this one is getting close to the last one, although do not rule anything out,huh. I suppose there at first, when you start your journey there will be a box of Kleenex on the seat between you. Going from, going to.
Man’s inhumanity to man is impossible to understand how it could be, how could anyone … Having known woundedness, having wrapped up most of your own wounds, you can set out and be, for real and for sure, that wounded healer that Henri spoke of. Being blessed tis only right to be a blessing.
Happy Birthday. Kinda think I will listen to your ! song again. Much affection ‘n prayers, maw
Thanks, Mary Ann. That is an old Cat Stevens song from his Teaser and the Firecat album circa 1972.