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Open Poetry #41
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The Last Shaman
| Open Poetry #41 |
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The Last Shaman |
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WindWalker Senior Member
since 2001-10-12
Posts 1218 |
Time's lonely shadows lengthen over the earth: the spirit of Wind Walker stands alone atop a rising knoll overlooking empty rolling plains; a restless autumn wind blows unchecked, untamed, moaning tearful over desecrated burial grounds. Wind Walker hears the coyotes howl in pale moonlight; the thunder of mighty buffalo herds crossing the plains; feels the throbbing drums around flickering camp fires; sees his people, ghosts from years of fulness, performing the ancient buffalo dance. He smells the smoke rising peacefully in the clear night... then the vision, so sweet to the eye, vanishes, as did the buffalo and the people. Numb of soul and empty of heart, Wind Walker turns toward the spirit mountains, taking the hallowed path of the grandfathers: the last shaman of the great plains to seek a vision for understanding: why did the white man so savagely destroy his world? kill his blood brothers? annihilate the life-giving buffalo? What kind of hatred moved such a plague across the once-living prairie? As Wind Walker approaches snow-capped giants a thunderous echo beckons: he realizes his earth time is of the past; his restless, homeless spirit, like the people of the campfires, the coyotes of the moonlight, the buffaloes on their ghostly trek, must relinquish their place in the foothills: the conquerors lay their pipelines and fences cutting furrows deep into the soil. Only acceptance, only love can now decide the future of a once proud and virgin land: no challenge, no showdown, no vengeance, but simple understanding, can ever demonstrate the truth. |
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| © Copyright 2007 Sharran WindWalker - All Rights Reserved | |||
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secondhanddreampoet Member Ascendant
since 2006-11-07
Posts 6394a 'Universalist' ! |
absolutely fantastic 'write'! [as is so often the case from this hyper-talented author!] Too bad only those 'ever-vanishing' few of similar perception, sense and sensitivity are truly 'listening'! extremely long-sustained 'poetic standing ovation'!!! |
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Midnitesun
since 2001-05-18
Posts 28647Gaia |
To be able to step away from the face of vengeance is the ultimate key to survival of all humanity. Around the globe, it seems humans are doomed to keep up the fight, to forever avenge their ancestors and 'rights'. What European 'culture' did to natives of this country is wrong, no matter how you look at history. But if one can indeed move away from this constant need to avenge, to sit by the campfire of Peace.... I would be proud to sit by such a campfire. |
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ThisDiamond Member Rara Avis
since 2002-02-22
Posts 9353Michigan, USA |
The blood of the people runs deep and far, through the earth and across time. Superb and heartfelt write. |
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Honeybunch Member Rara Avis
since 2001-12-29
Posts 7115South Africa |
WW - Bravo! Love and understanding - two of the hardest things in life to acquire but so easy if one has the intent. Wonderful write! |
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Jess Member
since 2006-06-06
Posts 243Washington |
You told the story from the viewpoint you chose well. The poem itself has an old time, smokey feel to it. |
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Marchmadness Member Rara Avis
since 2007-09-16
Posts 9271So. El Monte, California |
Hi WindWalker, My mother was half Native American (Creek to be exact) She used to talk about the trail of tears and growing up at a time when being half "Indian" was not as accepted as it is now. She was born in 1914. She is gone now but this beautiful poem made me think of her. I found it while searching though the archives and it was well worth the search. Ida |
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Earth Angel Member Empyrean
since 2002-08-27
Posts 40215Realms of Light |
I am thankful to Marchmadness for bringing this outstanding poem, back up into the light. I had missed this beauty and am now saving it to my personal library. I do not have a drop of native blood in me (in this lifetime) but I feel as though I do. I have written several poems on the plight of these grand and proud peoples and the injustices that they have had to endure. I commend you on this fine piece of soul writing. Love & Native Light, EA |
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secondhanddreampoet Member Ascendant
since 2006-11-07
Posts 6394a 'Universalist' ! |
Yes...it is grand to see this exceptional 'write' back near the top of the "P.I.P.-land" queue! continuing applause!! |
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