River Ritual

examine the mouth of the river listen to its excited conversations compare its shimmering to ululating silver bangles walk into the riverbed and cover yourself in golden sediments mud bathe- then rinse in the river spread your wings like a butterfly glare at the sun stinging your heart out with its very BRIGHTNESS until Old Black Face One arrives humming Swami River banging his pots as if they were talking drums his spoons delivering messages whip-poor-wills will wail broadcasting their name the fattest red breasted robin will whistle (her chest heaving) twigs woven in your hair feet shoed in muddy leaves pain pierces your left leg/ SCREAM but do not run Grab the snake - throw him bash his head with a rock your knees bloody as you struggle The light is leaving an owl hoots and spirits emerge The Hollering Woman grabs you, releases the poison with a green beaded knife moccasins worn softly hold untold stories the sounds of the rattles, bells announce the herbalist healers lace, calico and purple turkey and peacock feathers swooning scents intoxicate- power away the pus study the ancient ones revere messages from your river remember the ancestors' rituals go to the river and dance