Tasunka-Witko Poem by Kurt Philip Behm

(From 'Searching For Crazy Hose' Published in 2011)

Crazy Horse's final words to me as our search ended....


'My son, you can search,
but without your vision it's hopeless

Its message I saw before you
so very long ago

You have now searched the heights
and the depths of its border

Finally living inside it,
separate no longer from yourself

You were called by the wind
to climb and go higher

Your soul casting no shadow,
nothing blocked from your sight

That which keeps you from seeing
is no longer inside you

What stays with you now lives
beyond a thousand goodbyes

Your name has been added,
and your place is now vacant

The pipe sits ready in council
for when your time will come

With one foot in this land,
you step beyond with the other

And in my Father's lodge, all speak
your new name
.... ‘Wana Hin Gle'
(He Who Happens Now)

This name that I give you will
protect and sustain you

Guarding you, and you alone,
from the lack of yourself

Others may hate,
and may even hunt you

Killing only what they fear,
while making you strong

Rest easy, my son, for you've
seen them in passing

Their blind spot in eternity
not worthy of your eye

You no longer need the West
or my words to console you

The substance of your vision
is now released and set free'