Cherokee Man

I have a friend, a Cherokee Man

He stands tall, proud, and true

Doing everything he possibly can

To protect the legacy of his people

Their spirit in him shines through.

Centuries of pain are sometimes

etched upon his face

The burden that he carries

the hurt of his whole race.

As he traces their timeline

And tries to walk their path

The sorrow that lives inside him

Matches God's greatest Wrath

I have a friend, a Cherokee Man

The strength of a bear

and gentleness of a lamb

Historian, artist, photographer, and friend,

Your people are proud of you

and will live in you until the end

September 23, 2006

For Shane