SandScript 2021

Dani Gailbraith-Ritchie
Beating.Still
Ink on paper, 4”x4”
feels that way. I’m a mile from home; just
one mile.
“Was it really worth it?” I hear in
my mind. Gulping air, I’m not sure which
part of me had spoken. An image of my
grandfather riding his horse at dawn pops
to my mind. I remember him waking me
at dawn to make me run. He would follow
me on horseback to make sure I didn’t
stop. I became adept at running and
forced his horse to work for its oats. I hear
parts of me chuckling and I join them.
Together we remember that time I saw
grandpa’s horse covered in sweat after
my run. My grandpa smiles and nods to
me as he began wiping down his horse.
These fond memories move to the front of
my mind and I smile to myself, although it
wasn’t fun at the time.
Now I’m on hard packed clay
and running is easier. I can get into the
groove and allow my body to run as it was
designed; for long distance two-legged
travel. My arms, my legs, my breath, and
my heart are now in rhythm. I feel peace
and tranquility ease into place. I am in
harmony and I can run as far as I can
see.
My ancestors walked from place to
place, traveling great distances. Running
grew in importance to honor the Holy
People and to maintain communication
between far-flung communities. I imagine
myself to be one of these runners.
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