The final words etched onto a tombstone often serve as a poignant summary of a life lived, a final message from the departed to those left behind. In the case of Ten Bears, a prominent figure whose life was deeply intertwined with the land and its people, the epitaph is not merely a summary, but a profound meditation on existence, legacy, and the enduring connection between humanity and nature. This powerful testament, reportedly penned by Ten Bears himself before his passing, offers a glimpse into the soul of a man who felt the weight of history, the beauty of the present, and the hope for the future. The epitaph of Ten Bears is a gift to us all.
This article aims to explore the rich tapestry of meaning woven into Ten Bears’ epitaph, unraveling the layers of symbolism and imagery to better understand the perspective of a man who saw life as a continuous cycle of creation, destruction, and renewal. We will delve into the specific phrases and metaphors he employed, examining how they reflect his deep connection to the earth, his understanding of the human spirit, and his hopes for the generations to come. The Epitaph from the Resting Place of Ten Bears is not just words on a stone; it is a living testament.
A Soul Tempered by Time
The epitaph begins with a declaration of an ancient soul, one that has witnessed the ebb and flow of civilizations. "My soul is an old one," Ten Bears proclaims, immediately establishing a sense of profound experience and wisdom. He describes the sun, not merely as a source of light and warmth, but as a force that has shaped his very being, "baking my face brown, drying it into furrows." The imagery evokes a sense of weathering, of enduring the harsh realities of life and emerging with a face etched with the marks of time. The "sun-squint of ages" speaks to a life lived under the open sky, observing the world with keen eyes, and the "glittering dark slits" from which "deltas run in times of sorrow and joy" suggest a capacity for deep emotion, both pain and happiness.
This initial passage sets the stage for a narrative of vast historical scope. Ten Bears claims to have "seen much – civilization raised from the dust of dancing feet and brought to ruin again by the flow of blood and emotion." This observation highlights the cyclical nature of history, the rise and fall of societies driven by both creative energy and destructive impulses. It suggests a perspective that transcends the immediate concerns of daily life, offering a broader understanding of the human condition. This epitaph shows the life of Ten Bears.
The Embrace of Nature
Central to Ten Bears’ worldview is a profound connection to the natural world. He describes the wind as "mother’s warm breath in baby’s tiny shell ear," a comforting and intimate image that suggests a sense of belonging and nurture. The wind, in this context, is not just a meteorological phenomenon, but a living presence that whispers of "the passage of time and dreams."
He speaks of his struggle with the soil, his efforts to coax life from its "implacable face." The act of cultivating the land is presented as a sacred task, a testament to the human spirit’s ability to persevere and create. The "green and growing things celebrating life in the sunshine of a million summers" represent the abundance and beauty that can be achieved through hard work and dedication. The harvest, a symbol of fruition, whispers of the coming winter, a reminder of the cyclical nature of life and the need to prepare for hardship. Even in the face of impending challenges, there is an enduring hope, a belief that "tomorrow where hope may take root and grow."
The connection to Mother Earth is deeply personal. "Mother Earth, I sprang from your loins with a heart singing of the glory of life!" This declaration is a powerful affirmation of his origins, his sense of belonging to the land, and his inherent joy in existence. The repetition of "It has not been easy" acknowledges the struggles and hardships he has faced, yet it does not diminish his appreciation for the gift of life.
A Daily Symphony of Senses
Despite the hardships, Ten Bears maintains a remarkable capacity for joy and wonder. He describes the act of facing the sun each day, "stretching its pale arms above the amethyst mountains," as a moment of renewal and inspiration. He finds joy in the "songs of a thousand birds waking," and almost hears "the celestial symphony that stirs the dawn to life from its magical slumber." This passage emphasizes the importance of appreciating the simple beauties of the natural world and finding inspiration in the everyday.
He sees each day as a canvas to be painted with the colors of his soul. "I paint the canvas of each new day with the colors of my soul, vivid splashes, my personal palette spreading across the hours, changing in the light and shadow as day ages." This metaphor suggests that life is not a passive experience, but an active process of creation. Each individual has the power to shape their own reality, to imbue the world with their unique perspective and experiences. The "glorious sunset" and "mystical twilight" represent the fading light of day, a time for reflection and introspection. He finds solace in the "soothing rhythm of approaching night," a moment of rest and preparation for the next day’s journey.
Embracing the Darkness, Connecting with Ancestors
Ten Bears does not fear the night; rather, he embraces it as a brother. "I reach my arms up to the stars, embrace the night like a brother who watches over me. The cool kiss of his lips touches my cheek." The night sky, with its vast expanse of stars, becomes a source of comfort and connection. He breathes in the stars "like cold water for a thirsty soul," finding nourishment and renewal in the darkness. He wraps the darkness around him "like a blanket" and allows dreams to guide him.
He connects with his ancestors through dance and song. "I dance in the dry dirt, my feet raising little clouds of dust that swirl and spin like little spirits around my ankles." The dance is not just a physical activity, but a spiritual connection to the past. He leaves the "echo of my footsteps in the earth" so that his daughter may one day know him. He sings with the "voice of my ancestors," weaving his own song into theirs, so that the wind may carry it to her ear. He hopes she will know him "like a familiar piece of music when she hears me…when she pauses in the toil of her every day life and turns her ear into the wind." He leaves her a "legacy laced to those of my mother and her mother and her mother’s mother like a plaited banner of many colors billowing in the breeze of the passage of time." This is Ten Bears’ legacy.
An Enduring Spirit
The epitaph concludes with a reaffirmation of his enduring spirit. "My soul is an old one. I have been here many times. I have not grown weary of the struggle. I have not grown disenchanted with the vivid promising hues of each passing day." Despite the challenges and hardships he has faced, he remains committed to life, to the beauty of the world, and to the promise of each new day. He can still stand atop the mountain, feel the "heat and weight of it upon my shoulders," the "weight of time."
He can still "spill ribbons of color from my hands into the earth," sing with a voice "evocative of time and ancient souls," and move his feet, though his "bones creak counterpoint to the beat." He has "pressed myself upon my mother’s glorious face like a kiss and my memory will linger long." He is not afraid of the night, for they are "old friends."
A Final Plea
His final words are a call to action, a plea for future generations to embrace life, to create their own legacies, and to respect the earth. "I will look upon the earth until my eyes close one final time and I will revel in what I see. It is my heritage, my legacy, my gift to my daughter, this earth. I pray she will respect it. Everyone as you celebrate the season of Rebirth- paint the days with your own colors, sing your own songs, dance your own dances and leave your own legacies for future generations."
And then, a final, poignant message: "Why are you here where my bones lie? Go to where my spirit is. It is there you will be happiest."
The Epitaph from the Resting Place of Ten Bears is more than just a collection of words. It is a profound statement about the human condition, the beauty of the natural world, and the importance of leaving a lasting legacy for future generations. It is a testament to the power of the human spirit to endure, to create, and to find joy even in the face of adversity. It is an invitation to live life to the fullest, to embrace the present, and to connect with the past in order to create a better future. The Epitaph from the Resting Place of Ten Bears is an eternal poem.