Though centuries have passed

Still, my heart grieves

for the herds of bison

that roamed this country's plains

Just as it does for

those native peoples

who cared for this land

Who saw the buffalo as brothers

Using only that which was needed

Who revered as sacred the trust

between the land and its creatures

We would do well to view creation in the same way

Yet, is it not too late to reverse our wanton ways?

Even now, as I learn the delectable

taste of grilled buffalo meat

I am reminded of the disastrous mistakes of our

European forebearers

Who desecrated the western plains with carcasses of bison

For short-term gain or even sport

Loosing for all time this incredible natural resource

And still my heart grieves the loss of bison herds

As it does the loss of so many native brothers

D.J. Hausman-Hill

Lititz