My Dear Old Dad
At the end of the movie, they recite a poem that I have always loved and have always tried to live by. It is a poem by Tecumseh, whose words my Father, intentionally, but perhaps without being aware of the poem, has lived by most of his life. It has always reminded me of my DOD (Dear Old Dad). It reads as follows:
"Live your life that the fear of death can never enter your heart.
Trouble no one about his religion.
Respect others in their views and demand they respect yours.
Love your life, perfect your life, beautify all things in your life.
Seek to make your life long and service to your people.
Prepare a noble death song for the day when you go over the great divide.
Always give a word or sign of salute when meeting or passing a friend, or even a stranger, if in a lonely place.
Show respect to all people, but grovel to none.
When you rise in the morning, give thanks for the light, for your life, for your strength.
Give thanks for your food and for the joy of living.
If you see no reason to give thanks, the fault lies in yourself.
Abuse no one and no thing, for abuse turns the wise ones to fools and robs the spirit of it's vision.
When your time comes to die, be not like those whose hearts are filled with fear of death, so that when their time comes they weep and pray for a little more time to live their lives over again in a different way.
Sing your death song, and die like a hero going home."
~Tecumseh
