The Mescalero

As I remember your birthday today, I also mourn the three years since you’ve left this world. I speak of my father-in-law, Carmen. I couldn’t have asked for a kinder, gentler or loving man to have lived with my wife and I during his last years on earth. The influence and value he brought to my life was taken for granted when he was alive, not just for me, but I believe for all who loved him.

Carmen was born and raised on an Apache reservation called Mescalero and when he passed, I wrote this poem for the family as a keepsake and reminder that his spirit will continue to live on in our lives. Little did I know we would be finding “feathers” at the most perfect time and at the most perfect places to let us know he is well and waits for our reunion. I miss you terribly “Pops”.

Son of morning sunlight and brother of the bear

The Mescalero packs his bag in order to prepare

His journey that he walked with others, he must now walk alone

To reach the final destiny, that soon will take him home.

The legs and hands that he once knew, are no longer strong

He perseveres with warrior strength to a distant battle-song

The trail is high and treacherous, with danger on each side

He knows that scaling the mountain side will make him purified.

The bow and staff he always used, were useless now it seems

He now must trust in The Great Spirit who speaks to him in dreams

To guide him to his resting place, made especially for him

Where his ancestors and true love await, along with the cherubim.

Those he left behind to watch, as he faded out of sight

Will forever share his special love and stars that fill our night

While in the storm and dark of night, he reached that sacred place

With arms of strength and legs of steel. Not one wrinkle on his face.

With one last step he found himself taking perfect flight

With eagle’s wings he sailed the sky towards the brilliant light

And as he flew, a feather fell and drifted through the air

To remind us when we see that sign, he’s waiting for us there.