Wówaunsila
(woh wah OON shee lah)
Compassion
It’s deathly cold when
Another’s sorrow draws no
Tear from my own eye
Wóyuonihan
(woh you OH ee han)
Respect
We stand on different
Hills, and I can see I need
The vision you share
Wöksape
(woke SAH pay)
Wisdom
What I have picked up
These years, treasured touchstones, have
Not stopped the picking
Virtue
Seven Lakota Virtues
a Haiku Cycle by Scott Simpson
inspired by Lakota / Dakota teachings
To learn about Lakota / Dakota "virtues" laws and teachings, speak with an indigenous Elder or culture-bearer. You can also visit WolakotaProject.org to listen to video interviews with indigenous Elders and teachers from across South Dakota.
Wówahwala
(woh wah wah lah)
Gentleness
An open hand tugs
Hearts like a new mother’s smile
Warm, full of nurture
Wöwachantognake
(woh wah chan to GNAH kay)
Generosity
The canyon is wide
For those who hold tight to things
Giving weaves a bridge
Wóohitika
(woh oh HEE tee kah)
Courage
The fools say claws don’t
Frighten, the courageous name
Fear, and step forward
Wöwachinthanka
(woh wah cheen TAHN kah)
Patience
Waiting, breathing, we
Give the universe a space
For unforced blessings