
The Lakota peoples call sunkmanitu, the wolf, a teacher. Sophie's ancestors must have been strong with her, teaching her moment by moment all that she needed to know to survive for a week alone in the wilds. And Sophie in turn taught me priceless lessons for which I am so grateful.
sanctuary
some people call it
the hour of the wolf ~
three to four a.m. ~
when I enter
my hallowed upper room
secret but not cloistered
my left hand knowing not
what my right hand
does
my rooftop opens
to diamond studded
blackness
smoke from sage
and light from a single
tall white candle
rise
as one breath
sunkmanitu
whom my people
call the teacher
enters silently
knowing I am ready
to begin
-pb 2010-