Debbie Guzzi Poet Narrative

Pow Wow / Ct. 2009 (Revised)

The concrete and plastic, chrome domed
bricked up auditorIum rang
like a hollow bell,
a meager few red skins circle the stadium seats
like smoke from a mythical “peace” pipe
ragged, distilled, diluted, distraught, “dised”
A 21st century ablution of angst.

Round shoulders meet, sidelong glances;
old and young form for dances.

All semblance of nature betrayed 
by polyester tassels and cheap Crayola yarn fringe,
a sneakers and moccasins mix,
only the whistle-drum, and sage smoke sanctifies.
Circles form, crouching over polyurethane floors
silver hair, braids and hands harden; they bear,
bore the “dis” missive, disdain,
the balm of music eased all the pain.

Round shoulders meet, sidelong glances;
old and young form for dances.

The roof “dis” appears becomes the night sky
air vibrates with the heart thumping of stick on skin,
and so WE, the PEOPLE begin.
Chants warm the taunt throats of man;
a whistle trills the coyotes howl.
Heartbeat sings a drum song,
bowed and bent the circle dancers form.

Stomp, twirl, braids a whirl, winged dancers rattle and bell.
Mans peacock form no longer forlorn rises above the well.

Chant the tell tale heart,
the sorrow the joy, drum thumpers hatchets fall
on the neck of a starry night.
Drum and dance invite…..
scream,….soul song, smoke dream,
eyes daze in a reverent scheme.

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Sharon Winter April 23, 2009 at 5:30 AM Well I applaud your cynicism here considering our embarrassing past with our Native Americans. The last verse runs deep into my soul and is quite beautiful. I've never been to one of these, as there have not been any in my area that I know of. Power in your amazing poetry (as always). Love, Shar

James Marshall Goff April 22, 2009 at 6:09 PM goodness Deborah, our Poet Laureate ( I apologize, I can't remember her name) said she likes to end her poems on an upbeat, ...well...this poem of yours does just that with a flourish! mixing mystical and tangible inspiration with poetic grace! I really like this poem!! Jim

John Loving Iii April 22, 2009 at 4:39 PM i had the word moccisinns written down and decided to use it for something more powerful. yes we've been "dis"ed thanks for bringing this to my attention i almost missed it. and though i don't live in that part of the country or have much indian blood the fight is the same and so is the gripe. thanks for noticeing and thinking of me. john h loving iii