Mitakuye Oyasin: "We Are All Related"

First off, the title of this book is taken from a Lakota term that when translated means "we are all related" thus the full title of poet's Jim Greenwald's book is "Mitakuye Oyasin: We Are All Related." When reading his poems you can see very clearly that the title fits the poetry within the pages. Jims' Native American Ojibwe heritage comes through in great evidence in all his prose. This is another of his wonderful books of poetry and this may be his absolute best work to date. The feeling you get from this themed book of poetry is that there is a connection with nature and the natural world around us. His words are like a walk in the woods with someone who truly loves being outdoors and appreciates the trees, the birds and all that surrounds him. So, it becomes a joyful and pleasant journey of prose as we transverse through this world that he observes. His poetry has a message of respect and love for "Mother Earth" but also for each other. His words and phrasing are like a pathway to the inner heart. He knows how to connect with nature but he also connects with people. These poems are uplifting and hopeful. It was a pleasure to wander through his words and feel what he must have been feeling when he wrote them. Some of his poetry asks questions as a way of pointing out a problem such as in his poem "Window." He hears no animals, no insects, no birds, only the noise of horns blaring, as he breathes the poison engines spew out, The air burning his lungs. He sips his water from a bottle as he stands beside a stream so polluted it stinks. Grandfather, I do not understand. Why would one destroy that which gives life? The poet and poetry become one and the same as you read his book. Wonderful verse and wise words! Certainly a poetry book of substance and spirit! I recommend it for poetry lovers and those who like Native American philosophy. It is a gentle reading experience and one that will fill you with peace.

Just terrific, this book needs to be enjoyed by all. Ehanamani is not trying to prove a point, form opinions, or provide examples for the reader to draw conclusions. He is extending ideas handed down from his D Lakota tribe's oral tradition. It inspires the reader to consider the inherent energy contained within each of us. The balance of logic and feeling is now an imperative part of my life. A friend of mine met him, and Tom deserves a large thanks for sharing this author's work with others.

This book is thought provoking,inspiring,and empowering.I feel I am a better person for just having read it.Now I shall proceed to buy 10 copies for my friends and family to "pay it forward".It didnt feel like I was reading a 215 pg book, but rather it felt like I was listening to my wise old uncle explain very complex matters in a manner that would not be too deep for my very shallow mind.For anyone considering reading this book I would implore them to READ THIS BOOK!!!Its Fantastic!..then tell all your friends and family to read it!..Dont be stingy:)

A Beautiful alternative to therapists.

This a wonderful piece of work. A.C. has brought together so many insightful beliefs that many of us have and can not put into words as eloquently as he has. This is a must read. I'm glad to know so many of us think alike and believe that we "are all related", to eachother and to everything around us.