"Together let's go toward the highest place."
Come.
Shield, He Nupa Wanica/Joseph No Two Horns, Hunkpapa Lakota/Teton Sioux, 1885
Joy Harjo shared with World Literature Today:
Cehotosakvtes
Traditional Mvskoke Song
It is said that two beloved women sang this song as their band came over on the Trail of Tears. One woman walked near the front of the people, and the other walked near the back with the small children. When anyone faltered, they would sing this song to hold them up.
Cehotosakvtes
Chenaorakvtes Momis komet
Awatchken ohapeyakares hvlwen
Do not get tired.
Don’t be discouraged. Be determined.
Come. Together let’s go toward the highest place.
Translated by Rosemary McCombs Maxey
Listen to Curtis Scott performing “Cehotosakvtes” for Sterlin Harjo’s This May Be the Last Time documentary (2014).
Creative Invitations
What is your highest place?
How do you encourage others in hard times? How do you want to be encouraged?
Thanks for this beautiful reminder, Abe.