Under a Miccosukee Sky

Big Cypress stirs, heated by Miccosukee 
sky hung in spun gold. Rising in the east, 
morning sways with waves of river grass
as the elder paddles through waking water
in dugout canoe. Bare-chested, he whistles
an old, creek song, lost and found in tangles 
of green swampland. Bronzed face chiseled from
stone gazes on soft, flush of Indian summer;  
a burning heart beats with nature beneath. 
In hand, he clenches twine of sacred bundle. 
Beads of sweat fall from head lowered in prayer
to the Creator. His silent prayer for earth, hunt, 
harvest and tradition collides with modern tribal
life, a quiet moment complicated by thoughts of 
upcoming ceremonial festivities. If only,
he could step back in time to dance in ancient 
garments 'round sacred fire free from tourists’ pale,
intruding eyes. His daughter and wife will sew
and bead jewelry to sell; his grandsons will wrestle 
alligators; and he, the elder, will stand proud,
fighting to maintain dignity and culture under 
a warm Miccosukee sky, hung by his ancestors
...in spun gold.


By Rhonda Johnson-Saunders, 11/17/13
for Shanity Rain's Native American People Contest

Copyright © | Year Posted 2013



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Date: 11/29/2013 12:11:00 PM
Interesting lines penned..Enjoyed reading today..Congrats on your win..Sara
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Date: 11/25/2013 11:50:00 PM
what awesome imagery this displays. I don't know what placement you got. I don't think it matters. But congrats!!
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Date: 11/25/2013 9:29:00 PM
Rhonda, a very lovely win.... . Congratulations on the win... luv~ Linda
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Date: 11/25/2013 8:08:00 AM
Absolutely beautiful. Stunning images. Congrats on a well deserved win.
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Date: 11/24/2013 10:06:00 PM
Congratulations on this fine win, Rhonda
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Date: 11/24/2013 4:41:00 PM
beautiful write from you Rhonda...congrats on your win :)
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Date: 11/24/2013 4:20:00 PM
Good reading your winner here Rhonda, warm congratulations on the great result..'
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Date: 11/24/2013 3:57:00 PM
Very beautiful...many congratulations on your win...
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Date: 11/18/2013 7:05:00 AM
This is a grandiose write my friend! You have put together a masterful poem here Rhonda, I loved reading this enlightening piece here this morning! What a spectacular poem, Great Work!!
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