Lessons from ancient cultures,
wisdom in Native Americans’ ways.
Guiding principles to live in harmony
passed down from generation to generation.
Debwewin is Truth.
Represented by the turtle.
The tortoise carries lessons of life on its back.
Years piled upon years.
It walks slowly,
sometimes laboriously,
feet firmly planted in earth’s reality.
Its purpose was, still is, forward movement.
Honest plodding, slogging, traipsing at times.
Memories, achievements, failures, goals.
All stored and carried through life’s journey.
No regrets. This is me. In this place. Now.
Everything past, a part of my weight,
my girth, my being, my soul.
Today Mish is hosting, providing us with a very special prompt that explains The Seven Grandfather Teachings, a set of Anishinaabe guiding principals for living a good life in harmony with nature and others . . . all of creation.
Mish explains: “These ancient teachings have been passed down for generations through stories and ceremonies. Many Native American organizations have adopted these sacred laws as a foundation. Because they are the basis for a worldview rooted in respecting each other and the natural world, these values are often represented by a specific animal. We’re asked to write a poem influenced by the Seven Grandfather Teachings in any way that we would like. We may choose to focus on one or embody them all.“
I’ve chosen to write about Debwewin, Truth, represented by the turtle. “The turtle carries the teachings of life on his back. Slow and meticulous. Understand the importance of the journey. Be true to yourself. Speak your truth.“
lillian the home poet 
I like how you expanded on the description Mish gave us, Lill, which brought Debwewin and the turtle to life for me.
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Thanks, Kim. Glad you enjoyed.
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I love how you expanded on the turtle in its way it moves. We surely have to listen and learn
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I just so enjoyed learning about the Grandfathers’ Teachings. I think that’s one of the things I most enjoy about dVerse…there’s always something to learn!
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Beautiful, Lil. I love the way you introduced the teaching and gently transitioned into your personal application of it. A very impactful ending.
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Thank you! I truly loved the prompt!
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“Honest plodding, slogging, traipsing at times.”
Nice one!!!
much love
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Glad you enjoyed!
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lovely lillian. near me there is a rock that due to its formation has markings resembling a turtle shell. i imagine it was a sacred place for indigenous peoples long ago
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What a special site that must be! Glad you enjoyed my poem here.
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beautiful interpretation Lilian – I like this refreshingly unvarnished take on the human experience. That feeling of being tired, yet entirely settled in one’s own skin 🙌
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So glad you enjoyed!
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♥️
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I like the realization that all of these things are a culmination of who we are. Now. Perfectly conveyed!! 💕
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I’ve always said I have no regrets. People often question me on that. But I figure a regret means you wish something in your past didn’t happen. If that was the case, there’s a ripple effect and then the next thing would have been different and the next and the next….and you wouldn’t be who you are or where you are as you are right now. I am content with my life…my family…we have enough. So no regrets.
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we must learn from others—our ancestors who were more in tune with life than we are today. Firstly I liked your title.
and the poem’s flow. Reminds of the turtle’s walk. Slow and firm. Even with setbacks (like we all have) yet going forward. Beautiful write. Thank you.
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Lovely Lill! Wish we could all follow the life of Native Americans and live in harmony as the turtle does with its environment
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You’ve personalized the metaphor and made it your own, Lill. Well done.
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