They gathered by the fire
On a moon lit Fall night
There was a crispness in the air
As the stars shined bright.
The elder spoke in quiet tones
He stared at the stars above
He spoke of triumph and tragedy
He talked of hate and love.
The death of their beloved leader
Now on his journey home
Where the world is at peace
And where the white buffalo roam.
They sat there quietly
Their faces cold and stern
Waiting for the elder to speak
Another lesson to learn.
The embers of the fire
Cast off an orange glow
The wood crackled and popped
As the smoke hung low.
Their leader had passed
Not in a war
But in a time of peace
He went to sleep, no less..no more.