Introduction

This poem eloquently communicates a strong loving image of the poet's grandmother. Before reading this poem, share an inspirational idea or story your grandmother passed on to you as a child.

Grandmother

Grandmother was strong, like a distant mesa.

From her sprang many stories of days long ago.

From her gentle manners

Lessons were learned

Not easily forgotten.

She told us time and again

That the earth is our mother,

Our holy mother.

"Always greet the coming day

by greeting your grandparents,

Ya at eeh Shi cheii (Hello, My Grandfather)

To the young juniper tree.

Ya at eeh Shi masani (Hello, My Grandmother)

To the young pinon tree."

The lines in her face were marks of honor,

Countless winters gazing into the blizzard,

Many summers in the hot cornfield.

Her strong brown hands, once smooth,

Carried many generations,

Gestured many stories,

Wiped away many tears.

The whiteness of her windblown hair,

A halo against the setting sun.

My grandmother was called Asdzan Alts iisi,

Small Woman. Wife of Little Hat,

Mother of generations of Bitter Water Clan,

She lived 113 years.

                                                           Shonto Begay

Extension

Allow children to share wisdom passed to them by grandparents or other family members. Encourage children to create beautiful thank-you cards for those individuals.