Forever Still

The Southern Paiute (Nuwuvi – The People) whose homeland is in Northern Arizona. Nuwuvi, (The People), lived in the high desert. The springs and rivers gave them life. Pokoh Tavaci, (Old Man Sun), was a leader among the people. More than just wise, he knew of ways beyond those that walked the land. He had a wife and daughter. He taught his daughter, Muatagoci Paa, (Moon Water), that there was more to life than just hunting and keeping the fire fed. He taught her that every day she should take time to sit, to reflect on the day while watching the setting sun in the western sky. Wunuh suh’ uh’ hunt (Standing Strong), was a handsome man and the strongest among The People. Moon Water’s beauty held his thoughts more and more every day. He decided he would marry her. Old Man Sun was disappointed. Although he knew Standing Strong was brave and could out-fight any man, he also knew Standing Strong’s heart was dark. Moon Water became his wife and more and more each day, she became his slave. One evening while pausing to reflect on her day and take in the beauty of the sunset, Standing Strong demanded his food. “It is a waste of time to sit and stare at nothing!” After he beat her, he said “you will never just stare at nothing again”. Days later, Old Man Sun told Standing Strong he must travel with him to the North. He said they would search for winter game for The People. When they set up camp for the night, he made a fire and put on some tea. He handed Standing Strong the tea and said, “this will warm your soul”. As Standing Strong began to drink, he felt the warmth and drank the tea to the end of the cup. Soon he felt his bones tighten. When he tried to move, he could no longer. His skin began to harden, and the words would no longer come. Pokoh Tavaci (Old Man Sun) said, “You will be Forever Silent, frozen in stone for eternity. From now until forever you will gaze every day to the west. With every setting sun, you will remember the day you beat her. You will know for the rest of her life, she will be sitting to reflect upon her day as she enjoys the setting sun without you”.