The circle is complete for another of Ninilchik's own. Born in Kenai, Alaska on July 28, 1925 to Alexandria and Innokenty Cooper, Eleanor Mae Cooper died peacefully in Kenai on May 21, 1998.  Eleanor was sixteen years old when this photograph was given as a gift to her Father. The idea for the poem came from an Indian Poem my Mother liked. I told her I could write one like it for her. She put the one I wrote in her Bible and showed it to all of her nurses. She wanted it read at her funeral and we honored her request. Now I would like to share it with you. Below the Poetry are links to Eleanor's   recollections of Ninilchik.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Eternal Sleep

    by: Tyshee

Hold your head high

This is not a time to cry

Do not face the wind and weep

I am with you in eternal sleep

Look for me in the rivers gentle flow

Feel my presence with the falling snow

I am the sun brightening your day

I am the laughter of children's play

I send you the rainbow's pastel hue

I refresh you with sparkling dew

Listen for the birds in flight

See me there on starry night

Walk with me in gentle rain

Let me calm your utmost pain

Compliment me in the flower's bloom

Before you inflate your heart with gloom

Stop! Listen! and notice the things I love

Remember, God has sent them from above

So do not face the wind and weep

I am with you in eternal sleep!

©1997