2000 Essay/Poetry Contest

Jennifer Gorman, Grade 8
Teacher: Ms. Gayle W. Halladay
Chinle Junior High School
Chinle Unified District

Third Place — Middle (Grades 6-8)

Dr. Guy Gorman Sr.

He's my grandfather.
A strong Navajo man,
who accomplished many goals,
encouraged moving forward,
and held traditional beliefs.
his hands
wringled,
cracked,
cover his face like a mask.
He peers out upon
those who now, take his place.
He served many people,
his country,
those in battle,
the Dine people and culture,
but most loyally,
his family.
He sits at home in his veteran's house
awaiting the next
football game.
Yet, he has contributed
to his people more
than they might see.
A man at home, tired
who had once shaken the hand
of a president years before,
has what every hero truly needs,
A home and
a loving family.
He has the life many
Navajo men desire.
To have seen the world,
survived a war,
become a respected councilman,
and to be loved endlessly by
those around him.