Harper Valley

an old woman who saw paddle sitting in his canoe and stuck between some rocks, gently lifted him out and brought him home. she said prayers for him and put some pitch from a tree into a large crack in the bottom of his boat.

the elder then released paddle into the grand river, asking Creator to help him on his voyage. paddle passed many farms, sacred sites, and a white eagle always flew around him. He came across cities that were dumping gargabe and toxins into the river and sometimes had to plug his nose or ears. People were rushing this way and that, giving no regard to the Ancestors, and many buildings were on top of old grave sites and sacred places.

then paddle came to a city called caledonia. there was a dark cloud hanging over the place and many blackened hearts. he prayed for the people, all races, and a tear fell from his face of wood. paddle asked Creator to bring light to those who held dark, and for peace and justice to come to the place called 'the place of peace' by the river where many were praying for the same.

paddle saw the poverty, oppression and theft of land of the praying people. he asked The Great Spirit to bring them strength to hold onto their faith that showed the light in these people's hearts. a young girl saw paddle drift by, she waved at him and asked Creator to help protect him on his voyage. like the old woman, the girl saw paddle as a living being, like the rocks and plants and planet.

paddle's tear dried up after the girl waved and the waters carried him towards lake erie.