Higher Standards, Part One
~
I know what I like and it's exactly what she's doing
It's spellbinding and I'm captivated by how she's moving
My self control in ruins and I'm doing things out of sync
The way she dances has me refusing all attempts to blink
Then she sings and the drum she holds is one she made
Took the deer's hide off with her hands and cut her own frame
I'm not the only one amazed with an image of beauty like her
She even put her own initials on her immaculately beaded purse
Her grandma taught her well and still smiles at all her works
No one gets passed grandma with knowing and appreciating her worth
You have to prove yourself deserving enough to sit in her presence
And to do that there's something you got to do to make an impression
Many seen attempts from both women and men get shot down for years
Even got laughs from those who tried without their minds clear
Grandma reared up and cussed them out in the old language we forgot
Embarrassed for their actions, they had no choice but to walk off

~Windreamer~




Higher Standards, Part Two
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The protection is there and no one is spared from any scrutiny
Tribal councilman approached and left without any approval seen
Some tried to make a scene but had to leave just like the rest
Approached with gifts in hand but never succeeded in hearing 'yes'
Many feel this woman is their breath but always end up suffocating
Her grandma has standards but they're set so few will ever make it
There's no debating, she's just waiting for one complete like her
Grandma sees there's not many who look at self sacrifice first
I've learned this from hearing the words said with such determination
That memory I hold close and focus on every way to embrace it
I looked her straight in the eye while mine were bloodshot at the time
Like looking at the highest mountain and being moved to climb
Rather than be deterred I preferred to embrace the ways they set
Took my time and gave it away to find out what it really meant
Spent days on end trying to mend myself after neglecting who I was
Now I'm finally at my best trying to erase their lack of trust

~Windreamer~



Higher Standards, Final Installment
~
Even if it was a stupid move, that stupid move really changed my life
She put me in my place but when it happened I didn't think she was right
Now I find where her interests are and they're for the one she raised
Took a child in at a time when all she knew was so much pain and heartache
So she was taught the native ways to pray and to this day hasn't changed
There's no hint on who might have stepped in and had her attention claimed
Both have my praise and respect for handling themselves in that manner
They don't own much but they don't have need for what doesn't matter
She was taught to provide and never to hide anything she takes pride in
She's a native woman first and foremost and doesn't look for rewriting
No need for reminding her on what she already knows makes her unique
She's honest in who she is and doesn't ask to be taken off her feet
I just so happen to disagree and want to meet the standards I clearly see
I tried once, but am honored to be that close, even if though it was brief
That's why I seek more to learn even if I don't earn the place I want
I don't sing at a drum, or dance in the circle to offer them this song

~Windreamer~