AFTER THE TORNADO - CEREMONY FOR EARTH HAVEN

that night amidst the hunters
the deer spiraled into us then out
their hooves sliced open the crust of the land

we painted our faces
red and blue in innocence,
peace, balance
and spoke to the fire and the animals

the stars fell across the sky

their long journey found
the Earth's chocolate unwrapped

we prayed to the river with tobacco
planted red welcome banners on two bamboo poles
offered corn to the Earth's center

the star gates opened
eagle light flew through us

now we rest in the after glow


Linnea Hadaway 2002