4/22/2014

Pawnee Earth Prayer

 
Behold! Our Mother Earth is lying here.
Behold! She gives of her fruitfulness.
Truly her power she gives us.
Give thanks to Mother Earth who lies here.

Behold on Mother Earth the growing fields!
Behind the promise of her fruitfulness!
Truly her power she gives us.
Give thanks to Mother Earth who lies here.
 Behold on Mother Earth the spreading trees!
Behold the promise of her fruitfulness!
Truly, her power she giveth to us,
Give thanks to Mother Earth who lieth here!

Behold on Mother Earth the running streams!
Behold the promise of her fruitfulness!
Truly, her power she giveth to us,
Give thanks to Mother Earth who lieth here!

Traditional Pawnee
(translation by Alice C. Fletcher)
 
(Artwork copyright Steven Kenny.)