Wokini: Your Personal Journey to Happiness and Self-Understanding
Author: Billy Mills
Publisher: Feather Publishing, 1990
ISBN: 0962794309, 9780962794308
EXCERPT:
In my youth I respected the world and life, I needed not anything but peace of heart;
And yet I changed despite myself and believed in Iktumi's lies.
He seemed to know all the truth, he promised to make me happy.
He made me ask Wakantanka for wealth, that I might have power;
I was given poverty, that I might find my inner strength.
I asked for fame, so others would know me;
I was given obscurity, that I might know myself.
I asked for a person to love that I might never be alone;
I was given a life of a hermit, that I might learn to accept myself.
I asked for power, that I might achieve;
I was given weakness, that I might learn to obey.
I asked for health, that I might lead a long life;
I was given infirmity, that I might appreciate each minute.
I asked Mother Earth for strength, that I might have my way;
I was given weakness, that I might feel the need for Her.
I asked to live happily, that I might enjoy life;
I was given life, that I might live happily.
I received nothing I asked for, yet all my wishes came true.
Despite myself and Iktumi, my dreams were fulfilled,
I am richly blessed more than I ever hoped,
I thank you, Wakantanka, for what you've given me.
BILLY MILLS
Indian name: Makata Taka Hela (respects the earth)
Tribe: Oglala Lakota (Sioux)
Birth year, place: 1938, Pine Ridge, South Dakota
Reservation: Pine Ridge Indian Reservation, SD
Billy Mills Day: May 6th
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