Lonna Blodgett Poet Narrative

Notes About The Poem

Glossary of Cheyenne words:

"Maheo" - the great creator

"Ese he" - the sun god

"Maiheyno" - god of the four directions

"Mahuts" - sacred arrows

"Hestanov" - universe of the rest of the world

"Ehaoena" - to pray

*Cheyenne Mountain is the underground operations center for the North American Aerospace Defense Command built during the cold war in the 1960's.

 

 

 

 

Cheyenne Mountain

In the sacred gap of "Maheo" the creator
points the star compass lighting the path
where the moon falls into the still earth
of Mother Earth's bosom.
He beckons them to enter
to sanctify the quiet secrets
held by many peoples from many lands
in many seasons with many reasons
to be guarded to protect "Ese he"
the light that sheds on truth and wisdom.

The coyote and magpie talked peace
before the council of buffalo eaters
for the entrance to the mountain of truth
bore the burden of knowing the shamans power
in the rushing stream that emptied in the cave
with long words without the language of the ancestors
to find the termites that dug holes
deep into the peace pipe's dream
so the stone pans would always be filled.

"Maiheyno" I have gathered from the winds
that blow from the four directions
bringing the "Mahuts" sacred arrows
to the new life lodge
so all spirits will journey down the long fork
of "Hestanov" in the universe to the rest of the world
where I dreamt the spider's dream.
She told how the fox danced with the badger
how stealth and secrecy was the bold victory over our enemies.

This is why the termites dug their holes so deep-
to welcome the wolf as keepers of this nation's reservation
within our sacred mountain.

"Ehaoena", he prayed.





August 27, 2020


Strand Completely New (28) Poetry Contest
Sponsored by Brian Strand

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John Castellenas October 20, 2020 at 2:46 PM Outstanding Native American story and poetry. I liked how you defined the words. Thank you for sharing the amazing poetry. Lonna Blodgett October 21, 2020 at 6:40 PM It started as the idea of how Native American culture might react in a positive way to the onslaught of the white man's war secrets. Thanks for commenting, Lonna

Rico Leffanta August 29, 2020 at 1:01 PM Well done! Aloha! Rico Lonna Blodgett August 29, 2020 at 1:18 PM I thank you Rico!

Robert L. Hinshaw August 28, 2020 at 3:07 PM Lonna: I live in Colorado Springs and on two occasions during my 30 year AF career was privileged to visit the Cheyenne Mtn complex. Thanks for the Cheyenne heritage background - it makes it more special. Best of luck in the contest - Bob Lonna Blodgett August 29, 2020 at 1:18 PM Thank you for recognizing the perspective. Appreciate your comment.

Anne-Lise Andresen August 28, 2020 at 12:13 PM - A great and interesting poem, Lonna - Is this place still there? - Best wishes in the contest :) - hugs //Anne-Lise :) Lonna Blodgett August 28, 2020 at 12:27 PM It is! Just a different perspective from a culture that abides by the love of their world - not the hate and fear we know. Thanks so much for the read! Hope you are well, safe and happy.