Voice of the Silent Lenape……… A personal thought of “Strong Medicine”

Speaks, by Amy Hill Hearth

By Tyrese “Bright Flower” Gould

“You have noticed that everything an Indian does is in a circle, and that is because the Power of the World always
works in circles, and everything tries to be round..... The Sky is round, and I have heard that the earth is round
like a ball, and so are all the stars. The wind, in its greatest power, whirls. Birds make their nest in circles, for
theirs is the same religion as ours....

Even the seasons form a great circle in their changing, and always come back again to where they were. The life
of a man is a circle from childhood to childhood, and so it is in everything where power moves.” Black Elk
Oglala Sioux Holy Man 1863-1950

“Strong Medicine” Speaks, by Nana (Marion “Strong Medicine” Gould) and Amy (Amy Hill
Hearth) is a written testament to the well stated quote by Black Elk. It is evident in our
personal experiences, way of life, personalities, outlook on life, and those things passed down
from generation to generation.

This book was truly sentimental for two distinct reasons.

First, it is amazing to discover the hidden traits that are taken for granted. I am very close to
Nana (Marion “Strong Medicine” Gould) and I never realized how much of my life, personality,
and traits are like Nana’s. I lived in a tree, I love to read and write poetry, I am happiest with
nature and material items come and go with very little meaning, and I like to be tough and still
present my femininity.

Secondly, it was truly Nana (Marion “Strong Medicine” Gould) that Amy (Amy Hill Hearth)
captured. I could see her speak the words as I read. Wow, I can remember so many stories
that were not a part of the book that now I reflect on and realize that everything is in a circle.

The best part of recognizing that we complete many circles in our life is the opportunity, that
when we start again, we have the ability to learn from previous experiences and we can make
wiser decisions for the next complete turn in our life.

As Nana (Marion “Strong Medicine” Gould) stated so many times, generation after generation
completed life and paved the way for the future, so that we live on as the grains of the sand.
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Time before the migration of the Europeans, life was grand; survival was not an issue because
we are one with mother earth and father God. It is disheartening to hear that our very own
families were subjected to so much pain after the migration, not like hearing it from a history
book, however, from a very close person in my life. I have learned to appreciate what was
done for me and my children and since a very young age I have continued the mission of
paving a way for a better life for my investment in the future and now realizing that the torch
continues in my hands.

“Strong Medicine” Speaks was written for a reason. Once again, we are suffering.

Tyrese “Bright Flower” Gould

Granddaughter of “Strong Medicine”

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