At powwow the clan gathers
sitting in circles in the grass
with eyes on the new drum
that is covered with oak leaves
and feathers. The old medicine man
chants a prayer of awakening,
… ... ...
the older drums beat faintly
in the background, gently leading
the new drum into the vibration
of the universe. The keeper of the
new drum squats beside it then
begins his first song. A hushed audience
listens for the rhythm of earth
to claim the new drum,
but its heartbeat is slow to start.
A second song commences,
then a third and forth, but on the fifth song
(which is the old song of awakening,)
the earth reaches out and embraces
the new drum, capturing it in her great
earthly rhythm. Its heartbeat, now in tune
with earth gets louder, gets stronger
the clan begins dancing, chanting,
and praying, giving thanks for the
awakening of the new drum.
It has been accepted by earth to
balance her people, a new heartbeat
that will live in and among nations,
bestowing the thunderous medicine
it receives from earth to all tribesmen.
A new day has dawned in the awakening
of the new drum, which is now called
Red Thunder.
Author notes
I was at Powwow yesterday and felt inspired to share a bit of it through this poem.
In a list
Comments
1 - 11 of 11
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great imagery here with new life and the beat of it embraced by the universe. the rhythm of life is in constant motion, adding new spirits and old to the dance.
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wonderfully written dove..xxx
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Thanks hun
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may the heartbeat of the earth continue to pulse in pens of writers like you...this is a wonderful piece of writing. I have been to many powwows, and could almost feel myself there, with the beating of the drums matching my own heartbeat. Excellent writing.
Rory
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Thank you for sharing this, Dove. I have been to Native American and Canadian events and museums, but not to a powwow. I know they're occasionally held within driving distance, and my sister has checked them out.
I really enjoyed this piece; the background fits it perfectly.
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Outstanding poem and graphic art accompanying the poem--you can't get any better than perfect!
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a very nice dedication poem. lovely background as u always do.
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Beautiful poem,
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Excellent
This is a beautiful piece Cindy, i don't know why but it made me think of the rain dance that one of these tribes do. I read this twice and not because i didn't understand it but because the imagery you painted in this piece was just wonderful for me.
Thank you for sharing
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How interesting and inspiring, Cindy. This not only a wonderfully written piece but also is a little piece of our heritage, our history.
You've recaptured the meaningfulness of this experience for all of us to share, Sis and many of us will appreciate it's message
Dee
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Awesome
I can feel a sense of building momentum in this. Really a story that would be told to the younger generation of tribes. Thanks for sharing this with me sis. Love it
God Bless
Tammy
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