ON THE BRINK

“On the brink” means that something will soon be gone forever.  It is one of the most frightening expressions you will hear today, remember it. Once used to report the possible demise of a little known creature in a far away jungle displaced by housing, one day it could mean you! Already the words are being used to describe changes in our northernmost continent. Are countries joining to face this? Rather they are scrambling to see which one will obtain the mineral rights to the new frontier. Such is the power of greed. 

We see more and more of mother earth’s fury, as she threatens our way of life. Do you know that our American Indians survived 5,000 years of living in our west simply by observing the laws Mother Nature expected of them? Take only what you need, leave the rest for future generations. Unfortunately, for the white man, need is never enough. 

The Hopi saw what is happening today and told of it in their ancient writings. Their ancient records predicted how the white man would destroy our earth with his greed. Everything they said was 100% true, and they did it without computers.

As greed takes over, “caring” becomes an obsolete word and our morals change. That is what hurts my heart the most. As man has shamed the earth, its people are now shaming themselves.  Can you remember when your children were safe in school, and safe from predators? No more. Can you remember when TV provided decent entertainment? No more. Can you remember when our country cared about its people and protected its borders? No more. Can you be sure a sports hero hasn’t won his fame on drugs?  No more. Can you feel safe in your home? No more. Can you remember when food and gas for your car didn’t cost you half your week’s income? No more. Can you remember when you were sure of your job? No more. Can you remember when true love meant a marriage and children? No more. Everything, is “on the brink.”  Some have already gone over. Sadly, this generation can’t even seem to see it. Or doesn’t it want to.

It has occurred to me that maybe our recent disasters are Mother Nature’s way of trying to help us. At least, for a while, they bring out the best in us, and we rush to help.  Listen to what she is trying to say, and don’t forget, like it or not, if things don’t change, all of us will end up “on the brink.”

THE STORY TELLER

NATIVE AMERICAN

STORIES AND HISTORY

by

GRANDMOTHER TWO BEARS

8

Grandmother Two Bears is a researcher, historian, writer and Story Teller of Native American culture and customs.  Grandmother writes for "Sky Voices," the On-Line Newsletter of the Silver Eagle Circle: The Wisdom Seekers. Her story "Always Believe in Miracles" has been published in 'Chicken Soup for Every Man's Soul'.