The sacred gift of tobacco on the rude image of the buffalo
The author has used the sacred gift of tobacco metaphorically to show an act of caring. Additionally, it refers to being humble towards what is considered holy. He gives an example of the holy sacrament in the Catholic Church in which congrats approach with due respect and honor. He writes:
“In an act as simple and caring as a Catholic’s genuflection before the Blessed Sacrament, that the person had placed the sacred gift of tobacco on the rude image of the buffalo.”
The simile “Cover my tracks like I am being hunted”
The author uses a simile in this context to compare how his tracks are hidden just like the hunted do to confuse their hunters. In other words, the writer is trying to notify the reader of what he does to confuse his enemies at all costs. It is all about being secretive to ensure that someone against you does not find an easy way to track one down. He writes:
“Cover my tracks like I am being hunted”
“His words are as true and honest as I can make them”
John Marrant uses the simile to compare Dan’s words to truth when referring to his story. He is revealing the story of Dan who swears him to secrecy. In his story, he says that he has done everything possible to ensure that it is true and honest as purposed. He says:
“But his words are as true and as honest as I can make them.”
The Simile of the Buffalo Rock
The author to refer to Dan’s spiritual strength towards God’s command uses the simile of the buffalo rock. Dan is an individual whose image cannot be compared to anyone. He says that Dan is a role model to be emulated by many because he stands for the truth. He writes:
“He is like a buffalo rock – rough-hewn, elemental and born of the earth. But, like the buffalo rock, he is also possessed of a deep spirituality for those who have the eyes to see.”
The metaphor of the wolf and dog
The author has used the wolf and dog metaphorically to mean that there should be no boundaries to humanity. Regardless of the race and color, people are supposed to live as brothers and sisters. For instance, he tells the Indian natives and the whites not to mind about the differences of their ancestors, but embrace unity and live as a family. He says:
“Neither Wolf nor Dog is one small effort to help this coming together. It is not an attempt to build a fence around a man and his people, but to honor them with the gift of my words. Our ancestors and fates are intertwined, no matter where our ancestors were born and how they interacted with each other.”
