Tiny Warrior You never saw the spring my love Or the red tailed hawk circling high above On feathered wings my love You only knew the snow You never saw the prairie grasses bend and blow And undulate like the shimmering indigo sea You never saw me Your eyes were closed so tight They say you put up quite a fight Somehow your life was over before it had begun and Gently did I touch and kiss your tiny-fingered hand Born too soon You never saw the silver moon Or the light of a summer's day Last night I dreamt a gathering of eagles Had come To spirit you away Born too soon Your tender heart Could not beat To the pulsing rhythm Of life's taut drum by Sharmagne Leland-St. John for Nikolai 1982-1983

Sharmagne Leland St. John (Walks Far Woman) is a Native American poet, concert performer, lyricist and artist. She is the Editor-in-Chief and publisher of the poetry e-zine Quill and Parchment. St. John is a member of the Confederated Colville Tribe of Nespelem, Washington, and presently resides in Southern California. Sharmagne's poem, "Tiny Warrior" is being used in a pamphlet and a training film for doctors and nurses to teach them how to help grieving parents with the loss of a child or baby. Sharmagne Leland St. John work has been published in many e-zines and quarterlies. To subscribe to Quill and Parchment, visit www.quillandparchment.com.