Charles Henderson Poet Free verse

Ojibwa-A New Shaman

The days moved slowly, but did pass.
He had spent the last three dreaming
of his mentor Wakan Tanka.
Calling him from Han in darkness,
waiting for his sign of answer.
It had come in bits and pieces
of Ojibwa legend mainly.
Thirty days purification
Of mind, body, spiritual.
Bathed in ginger, pomegranate.
In  the round house incense offered,

Calls shadow land of Lakota. 
Nagila, Nagila  come be my bride.
The hawk and fox are beside me.
I have fasted forty summers,
visited the spirit of death.
Niya, the spirit of life’s blood
has lifted me up to the stars.
She has cleansed with healing waters.
Now let me take the talisman.
Now let me repeat the promise.
Now let me take my rightful place
among my people as Shaman.

Apr 16 2011 CGH the Ojibwa of the 
                     north western plains
Wakan Tanka- creator of the Sioux
Han-place of great emptiness, darkness
Nagila-shadow land
Niya-breath of life
ginger and pomegranate-not factual

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Zzzzz Zzzzz May 12, 2011 at 2:56 AM Slightly reminiscent of Longfellow's epic poem,"Hiawatha" in some respects--even down to the glossary at the end. I certainly don't mean that to be a criticism--there is no trace of plagiarism here. A very good write indeed. If this finished 6th in the contest the standard must have been extremely high! Well done! Regards, Robert.

Carol Sunshine Brown April 19, 2011 at 5:42 AM Congratulations on your well deserved win Charles in Debbie Guzzi's contest "The Shaman's Way". Love, Carol

Carolyn Devonshire April 17, 2011 at 10:39 AM Like Deb, I learned from this poem, Charles. Native Americans had some very spiritual practices that fascinate me. Today I don't know how many of these practices still exist, but you brought the spirit of the Shaman to life! Best wishes in the Shaman contest. I'm out of town fishing until after Easter -- returning home May 4. Have an EKG May 5. Have a wonderful Easter, my friend! Love, Carolyn

Debbie Guzzi April 17, 2011 at 4:25 AM I learned alot from this write, I learned I do not know who Han is [i do know Waken Tanka but perhaps others don't so,] please put * and tell us!And oh how cool to learn of the ginger and pomegranet cleanse! bath...AGAIN some insightful work here! Light & Love

Dr.Ram Mehta April 16, 2011 at 7:21 PM Congratulations on the sixth place win in the contest, Charles

Debbie Guzzi April 16, 2011 at 5:27 PM You done did it Charles! Huzzah! 5th line from bottom please correct typo cleansed.. Thank you kind sir for the entry! Light & Love

Dawn Gordon April 16, 2011 at 4:42 PM dark night of the soul is the storm before the calm...it is recognizing your dark soul and sins then changing them, of course I had mine in a hospital LOL well first two weeks...ah fond memories (just kidding)

Dawn Gordon April 16, 2011 at 4:40 PM even though this is against my religion, I substituted certain things in my own spirituality, the thirty days reminded me of the dark night of the soul in christian faith, and i replaced niya as blood of christ..interesting write

Sara Kendrick April 16, 2011 at 4:25 PM Interesting Shaman write..Reads like a winner to me..Good luck in the contest..Sara