As the day lowers its voice
and the light leans back into the earth,
I pause.
Ekosi.
It is enough for today.
Thank you for the breath that carried me,
for the steps that did not falter,
for the lessons that came gently—
and even for the ones that did not.
I set down what is not mine to carry tonight.
The worries.
The sharp words.
The unfinished thoughts.
Nistam êkwa—
first, and then—
I choose peace.
Creator, help me listen more than I speak.
Help me tend the fire without feeding the flames.
Help me remember that not all work is done with the hands—
some work is done by resting.
Watch over the ones I love.
Watch over the children,
the elders,
the ones who feel alone in the dark.
Kîsikâw pimâtisiwin—
teach me how to live well tomorrow
by resting well tonight.
As the stars return to their places
and the earth breathes me back,
I trust you with what comes next.
Êkwa mâna.
And so it continues.

Standing Bear Network