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Open Poetry #9
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Raven Mocker
| Open Poetry #9 |
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Raven Mocker |
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jwesley Member Rara Avis
since 2000-04-30
Posts 7563Spring, Texas 
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Raven Mocker Wrinkled and withered, older than old, the Raven Mocker, most dreaded of Cherokee witches circled the village with arms outstretched like wings; the wind howled and screamed all around him and sparks trailed from his feet. Raven-like he shouted his presence and dove towards a lodge from which a rhythmic chanting arose; from which wailing and crying permeated the air; from which the smell of herbs, and potions tingled the nose. Down dove the witch through the walls of the lodge, invisible to all inside except the old, dying women who screamed, and began gasping for breath. Raven Mocker drove his hand into the woman's breast, squeezed her heart, yanked it from her chest, leaving but a single drop of blood on her shirt to show he'd been there. He leaped back through the wall and flew away, cawing loudly, eating the heart as he went, rejuvenating his life by the several days the old woman had left. Loud and anguished crying announced to the village the old woman had died; and a sharp, piercing scream sent shivers through all as they heard the cry of a raven cawing, cawing, at it's end. The Raven Mocker had won…this time. w.james beard, jr. Note: Loosely based on a traditional Cherokee legend - "The Raven Mocker" - who robs the dying of their life, stealing and eating their hearts, (thereby increasing their own life by whatever number of days the dying person had left) and leaving no marks to show they'd done so; but if cut open the dead person would not have a heart. The Raven Mocker is defeatable by medicine men with the right kind of medicine, and can be killed if properly recognized. They, also, will not take the heart of a person already dead, as they gain nothing. [This message has been edited by jwesley (edited 09-14-2000).] |
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| © Copyright 2000 Wesley James Beard, Jr. - All Rights Reserved | |||
Marge Tindal 
since 1999-11-06
Posts 42384Florida's Foreverly Shores |
JWesley~ You've researched well into the legends. As one might well imagine, the Raven Mocker was not a welcomed visitor to the lodge. I'm awed by your depth of understanding. Thank you for sharing this poignant piece. ~*Marge*~ ~*The pen of the poet never runs out of ink, as long as we breathe.*~ noles1@totcon.com |
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Mike Member Elite
since 1999-06-19
Posts 2462 |
well written... enjoyed muchly. |
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jwesley Member Rara Avis
since 2000-04-30
Posts 7563Spring, Texas |
Thanks Mike, and Marge, I find the legends fascinating, and so many parallel legends of other people from other countries, but I really enjoy the uniqueness in the native american legends. |
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Sunnyone Member Ascendant
since 2000-07-06
Posts 5334Staffordshire, England |
jwesley.... You tell the tale well, and the Cherokee would be proud to see this!! I live amongst the Tlingit (Kleenkit) tribe in Alaska, and one of their chosen symbols is the Raven. After listening to their stories, I now have a deep respect for the Raven!! Very nice job....  Today is a gift.... That is why they call it 'the Present'! |
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Martie
Moderator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-09-21
Posts 28049California |
Very interesting poem...thank you for posting the explanation. |
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