The sun sets behind the crooked sky and the colors blend from red to gold, melting softly into the darkness of the desert sky. There is a gentle peace that floods the earth at such times. A calm wind washes over all of Gods creatures, both Man and beast reap the cool blessings of the days end.  Sadly a lone rider nears the end of his purpose in this life, worn and tired he sits upon his faithful companion, both heads are bowed and both sense the finality of the hour. 

The witnesses surround him, for no man dies unto himself, the desert ghosts surround the mortal man and await his entrance into the happy hunting ground. His journey has ended in a trail of tears, his life has been hard and many battles have been fought to survive.  In his younger days he was a fierce warrior, respected among all the tribes, He was great provider for his people and reverenced the Holy ones as he listened to their words. 

Now the time for silence has come, his world has changed, respect for the Human being has vanished, Treaties are broken and greed has consumed the hearts of man. His people have been herded as the cattle into small pastures. The true Americans have been hunted down and slaughtered as the Buffalo. A mockery has been made of the magnificent warrior Chiefs as the images of the cigar store totem line the plank walkways and entrances to the white eyes world.

In the world to come the night fire burns brightly under a starlit sky, many braves circle the campfire. The drums beat and the dancers dance in victory. The Chiefs sit in the position of honor as the peace pipe is passed one to another round the welcoming fire. In the midst of the elders The Great Spirit sits, and with his arms outstretched offers the pipe to the lone rider.

One step into eternity is made and the offering  is taken. The Trail of tears vanishes behind the Warrior. Behind him lay the lies and treachery of the centuries, before him stands the truths of the ages. The circle grows stronger yet there are many empty spaces round the camp fire. One great day all the  journeys will be complete and the tribes will reunite and gather together in harmony.  The Spirits patiently wait, for there are still many riders upon the the Trail of tears.  

Boondocker 9/07/00