Dakota Sculpture Peace Poem by Kimberly Burnham

Dignity of Earth and Sky
a sculpture stands high
above the Missouri River
celebrated for Lewis and Clark's explorations

An enormous sculpture
dedicated to an often overlooked group
the women of the Lakota and Dakota Nations
ageless and equally full of life

Blue diamond-shaped pieces
her quilt flutter as the wind blows
night lights make the quilt glimmer
a small constellation of stars

A gift to the people of South Dakota
celebrating 125 years since statehood
in a place
where we say peace in English

"Wolakota" or "Wówaȟwala" in Lakhota
"Wówaȟwala" carries gentleness
meekness peace peaceful behavior
and the Dakota Sioux call peace "wo'okeyeh"

All seeking peace
and dignity on earth
and in the sky