Well versed in the ways
of the people and
their cosmology.
The time had come
to face the enemy,
upon the sacred tree.
You had your vision
atop the hill...
Son of Yah...
of man...
Oh Brahman.
Now,
at last,
one more test to pass
to be a fine
heyoka shaman.

Hokahey Heyoka
Heyoka Hokahey

You found comfort
in the visions
that many would
find frightening.
You had your
dream of thunder...
Iktomi fell as a
bolt of lightning.

Hokahey Heyoka
Heyoka Hokahey

Stripes across
your shoulders,
back and chest.
Hands and feet
now painted red.
Fourth form called
for one more stripe,
placed upon your head.

You could not wait
upon the moon...
chokecherries on the twigs.
The sage wreath
feels quite heavy
when the tree is bare of figs.

Hokahey Heyoka
Heyoka Hokahey

To faint before escaping
is not the test well ended.
Ego negating ego...
gazing at the sun suspended.

Hokahey Heyoka
Heyoka Hokahey

***