Cigar store statue frozen in time. War bonnet on head. Painted face unmoved. Stilted stance.

Surviving the laughter from the crowd. First Tribe. First Nations. First people known as humans.

Shopkeepers think their ways have won. Whispering winds crossing the grassy plains say they have not.

Goodness has survived time.

Cynthia Cozette is a writer, poet and contemporary classical music composer. Her recently published book is title The Forgotten Schoolhouse: Original Poems and Stories on Faith, Love, Nature and Wonder. See more at cynthiacozettelee.com.