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Open Poetry #17
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An American Indian Poem...The Ways
| Open Poetry #17 |
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An American Indian Poem...The Ways |
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amusemi Senior Member
since 2001-12-08
Posts 1262A State of Disarray |
The Ways I braid my hair, as is done... On a gray day he passed away. The man was tribe and white. Family came in droves to the chapel- Some pale, some in beads and deerskin hide. Together we mixed memories and tales And I thought of days in old, Old ways, dying ways, maybe better ways. Promises the great fathers had foretold. Drifting to the smoke we pulled the billows Drawing the haze over our hair, Across our arms to cleanse the presence of the living, Pungent, burning sweetgrass hung in the air. Ancient flute lilted from overhead, While, with the pipe and chant and dance We wished his minor sins to the wind, To his very last earthly romance. So gently we sent him on his way. A three day journey of final good-byes. Knowing in our hearts and mind we could say anything, Understanding, forgiveness we gave through sobbing sighs. The ceremony healed in fluid feeling For three days we all faced death and overcame His passing became the birth of a powerful spirit No longer an image, no longer a name. We left him to fly in the sky To rest in the pastures of buffalo. Beauty, serenity, peace, simplicity Oh what an exhilarating way to go. I braid my hair, as it is done.... |
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| © Copyright 2001 kat fer - All Rights Reserved | |||
Midnitesun
since 2001-05-18
Posts 28647Gaia |
This is stunningly beautiful. The message and your presentation are full of love and wisdom. Thank you for sharing this with me, I will save it and treasure it to re-read again another day. I use to braid my hair when I was very little...it was a golden corn color, and an aunt of mine said I looked like I was wearing corn tassles. |
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MrLeslie Junior Member
since 2001-12-15
Posts 23Island of JERSEY, British Channel Isles UK |
Stunning! A great write that is a joy to read! Thanks for sharing! Leslie de la Haye AKA Bald Eagle. |
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Sunshine
Administrator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-06-25
Posts 63354Listening to every heart |
Thank you very, very much for sharing this... |
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Kit McCallum
Administrator
Member Laureate
since 2000-04-30
Posts 14774Ontario, Canada |
You've described this amazing ceremony in incredible detail amusemi, very much enjoyed this piece, thank you.  Best wishes, /Kit |
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Mistletoe Angel 
since 2000-12-17
Posts 32816Portland, Oregon |
 BRAVO!!! (big hugggsssssss) Both tears and joy fill these wonderful words! May peace, beauty, and simplicity always rest in his soul and may he forever guide his people with his love and hope. (sigh) Sooooooo beautiful, dearest friend, we all love you so much! You have such a beautiful heart, sweet friend, thank you for sharing!  May love and light always shine upon you! Love, Noah Eaton |
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Janet Marie Member Laureate
since 2000-01-22
Posts 18554 |
this is absolutely an awesome inspire... what a very very cool write. I will be sharing this with some special friends who I know will enjoy your words as much as I did. Very well done!! |
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amusemi Senior Member
since 2001-12-08
Posts 1262A State of Disarray |
Thank you for the praise and comments. You are all so very wonderful here. So much talent in one place...you are my daily miracles!! |
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Martie
Moderator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-09-21
Posts 28049California |
This poem is full of the grace and wisdom of life and death..so naturally and fluently told. Thank you for this amazing poem! |
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Logan Senior Member
since 2001-05-28
Posts 1641Arkansas |
Fantastic. You have captured the essence of life and the passing, so beautifully..A very well done piece, look for many more...very gentle smile |
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Madame Chipmunk Member Rara Avis
since 2001-12-05
Posts 8296Michigan |
Wow!!!!!!!!!!! Unbelievably beautiful with gorgeous imagery.This is one terrific piece.  copyright2001 Lyra Nesius |
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