1889 – on the central plains of Indian Territory, soon to be Oklahoma Territory, soon to be the state of Oklahoma. They are standing by a grave in the dead of winter. It is cold, and the wind is up, making it colder. The ground was so hard, picks had to be used to break it up, but, it was done. A funeral has just ended.

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…and, he was the one who wanted to come west. He was the one who, in his excitement, made everyone else excited enough to sell everything and come to Indian Territory for the land run. Was it just last April that we did that, ran like crazy people to drive a stake in the ground for 160 acres? Lord, I’d never do that again! It’s a wonder we weren’t all killed, for sure!

Father was a such a notional man, but, we did it! We have our land…thanks to…

Love slips in,

dressed modestly,

silently takes its place,

senses hush.

I listen.

A knower of truth
speaks without causing harm
gives free of expectations
giving and receiving are one