Cherokee Nights

Photo from Bing Image (not my own)

Cherokee Nights

The moon was full and the night air was crisp. The water from the river could be heard quietly rolling over the rocks that had formed in it over the decades. Owls hooted in the distance to welcome the night creatures.
 

Children were being hushed from their play as parents frantically attempted to quiet them. All seemed right in the universe as we warmed ourselves around the fire and told our stories that had been told for generations.
 

I always love hearing the stories of my people, the Cherokee.  I asked Grandmother to tell me my favorite and she was happy to oblige me.
 

 It goes like this:

"One evening an old Cherokee Indian told his grandson about a battle that goes on inside people. He said, ‘My son, the battle is between two ‘wolves’ inside us all .

One is Evil. It is anger, envy, jealousy, sorrow, regret, greed, arrogance, self-pity, guilt, resentment, inferiority, lies, false pride, superiority, and ego.

The other is good. It is joy, peace, love, hope, serenity, humility, kindness, benevolence, empathy, generosity, truth, compassion and faith.

The grandson thought about it for a minute and then asked his grandfather: ‘Which wolf wins?’

The old Cherokee simply replied, ‘The one you feed."

As I sat listening once again to Grandmother spin her tale, I could not help to think about which I choose to feed in my life.  I often have to battle both wolves that live within me.

However, as I sit near this fire, this night, and listen to the stories of old, I remember that I am of the wolves and I strive for my name to be of the good, for I am Naila Moon of the Grey Wolf another keeper of tales.

all rights reserved by MR...aka Naila Moon of the Grey Wolf
Originally written April 27, 2009
Re-written Nov. 1, 2010