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
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