POEM: Dee Allen, GHOST DANCE
[ SONG-LYRICS ]
______________
As long as the bright sun rises
And the gentle wind blows
As long as the old tree rises
And the green grass grows
These sacred grounds are ours always
Core of our long-held belief
But strangers come to take it all away
Return to us as we glide our feet
CHORUS 1: Ancestors
You are our only salvation
Ancestors
Shield us from devastation
Ancestors
Deliver us from their debasement
Ancestors
Shield us from forced displacement
Now we need you more than ever
Your spirits will protect us
From wasi'chu* who wish to sever
Our lifeways and disrespect us
Lakota-----sustainers of these lands-----
Shunkawakan**, lakes, earth we nurture
Our feet shall move with you in this [ round ] dance
To spare our people, save our future
[ REPEAT CHORUS 1 ]
