Beyond the Sacred Hoop

Grandfather, the flowering stick you gave me and the nation's sacred hoop I have given to the people. Hear me, you who have the power to make grow! Guide the people that they may be as blossoms on your holy tree, and make it flourish deep in Mother earth and make it full of leaves and singing birds.

—Sioux prayer translated from the Sioux by Benjamin Black Elk (son of Black Elk) and revised by John G. Neihardt. from Black Elk Speaks, 1932.

Ⓒ The Susan Eleanor Boulet Trust (illustration)
Ⓒ Text copyright Michael Babcock