Would you read & c/c this effort?

Even before I start about the poem itself I just want to say that this is what I like about good poetry, people see different thing in it; based on their own selves sometimes. I for one hold no religion, I have nothing against it, it's just not a factor in my life whatsoever. So I just saw a great story of tradition, a tribal rite still seen today [though not always in the exact same way], the circle of life and the different kinds of trust, strength and definitions of "man". But it was not until I read the other answers that I made some connection to the bible.

Back to the poem itself; great first off it has everything in it I said up there and tells a good story with just enough detail. It has a lyrical air to it, a good strong beat and an unforced rhyme all the way through. The rhyme reads simply, and seems easy but then looking at the poem a second time a lot of work must has went into that alone [I always appreciate good, unforced rhyme as it is something that has always eluded me..].

Thank you for sharing this.

BG

I loved this piece. What a superb job you did ma lady.

My first thought was Abraham and Isaac, and part of that dynamic has remained in this poetic discourse. However, it did turn to the one who deserves all the credit each minute of our lives....

The Most High, Mighty Counselor, Lord Almighty, Maker of Heaven and Earth.........

and how He is there, no matter when or where, on top of the highest mountain of sinking in quicksand, just like He was there to stop Abraham, He always has our best interests at heart. Now, the clincher here is this, so any non-believer will understand, cause this is Truth: does this belief system, our belief in God through a bridge to Him in the name of Jesus Christ, who gave us part of them, our indwelled Holy Spirit----does it make some self-righteous? Yes, unfortunately. Let me suggest that person check their heart on whether they truly believe. But to the rest of us, this life is just as hard, sucks sometimes, many trials, some gains, many losses, many tears, >>>> but there is a light, a lit flame we feel that cannot be extinguished, ever, unto our Salvation, that keeps us going, gives resolve and Hope, and on that life path to Eternal Glory are miracles, every day we see, sometimes happen to us, but we know whence they came, and where the credit goes.

Sorry for long post.

Oh, BG, this is one of the most beautiful pieces I've read.

There are a lot of American Indian traditions that help a boy transition into manhood, but I've never heard is expressed so well.

It applies to God too. He prepares a way for us (takes us to the stump), tests our faith (blinded by a band) and watches over us always. At least that is what I believe.

Thank you for posting this lovely poem; I'm glad I was able to read it.

.

Wow, a long time ago I recall reading this in a short story by someone.It has worked out well for you as a poem. I'm busy with company and miss you all!

Kathy, this is a truly wonderful story of how a boy became a man. a very nice write indeed, I didn't feel any bumps, smooth read to me. Have a lovely Thanksgiving

Absolutely wonderful and even brilliant how you made it into a poem. My chest was heavy as I read this, thought of my father's strength I miss. He's 82 yet half away, oblivion, his world's turned to grey. He's helped me up to become a man, to face this world best way he can, and now he tries to stand for me, yet lost most of it mentally. A valiant man, his great light spans, the years of love, those years were grand. I watch as he shrinks silently, so gracefully, so gracefully.

Though unsure of the tribe of origin, I, too, have heard this tradition quite a number of times, from a number of different native nations. Was raised among Seneca and now live among Mohegan and Mashantucket Pequot. Their traditions are staunch, but history was oral for so long origins are sketchy at best sometimes! And their spirits are wonderfully tender and attuned...admirably so!

Thanks for sharin' this, love...so encouraging...as was your embellishment! :)

Yowee Kath it is, even if embellished, most true in the legend sense and is prescribed to by many tribes. Mine included and we have a story similar, they tell.

Too, this reminds me a bit of a walk about, as aboriginal boys in Australia embark on a quest to pass into manhood.

Great write, deeply inspirational, and even if we used to call him "The Great Spirit" I know He is with us on our journeys.

Wonderful story and wonderful writing! I love this. I am part Cherokee and I feel complimented by this wonderful story. Makes me smile with pride. And, as a Christian, I feel like our heavenly Father is always with us, too.

Beautifully written!

Wonderful write, wonderful story! I took the moral for what it was....

but then I couldn't help but think about us and our heavenly Father.

We have our own blinders, some by choice, and we sit feeling all alone,

but when we remove them we see we were not,

He was there all along.