Women's Traditional Dance—oneida Nation

The sun receded quietly on a relaxing siesta, as 
Calm clouds of the mid-afternoon smiled henced,
The beat of the drums provideth dancing rhythm
As she moved in pure elegance with harmony, to
A style of danced buoyantly bouncing in melody.

Crafted beadworks accented her warmth charm,
Under her delicately brown-jeweled moccasins
The grass provideth such a natural cushion,
As Angular unique flexings of her gentle knees
Resonated like an eagle’s stealthy landing

Quietly in its nests with an eye on a nice prize.
She tingled as the sound of bells jingled
Sending pure melodic rhythm to ears—many!
Whilst she turned in an elegantly slow motion
Fringes from her shawl swayed air of warmth.

The balls of her feet moved in slight degrees as
Her heels touched Mother Earth softly in harmony,
She smiled as the judges watched intently. Like
A graceful dove she floated with precision—uniquely!
Her buckskin regalia trimmings—so singed softly!

As she danced in the sunset evening's twilight;
She created an energetic circle of life’s fire
Yet, never raised her ceremonial feathered fan,
Whilst in clear focus emerged from the dance
Regal styles of proud cultural Native heritage 

A contrastingly exquisite fine female figure 
Arousing sights in the soft evening’s twilight,
Dispelling the uncertainly to even look twice,
Elegantly noble and much marvelously nice:
She was naturally—First Woman!

~~~~~~~~~**********~~*~~~~~~~~~

Written During Oneida Nation Annual 2010
Independence Weekend Pow-wow Celebration
Host Drummers – Bear Creek
Oneida, Wisconsin, Bordering Green Bay

~~~~~~~~~**~~*********~~~~~~~~~

Won Honorable Mentioned Prize
Images Contest
Sponsored by Frank Herrera
7/15/10

~~~~~~~~~**~~*********~~~~~~~~~
Copyright © | Year Posted 2010

Poem

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Makama Avatar
February 28, 2014 at 11:04 AM
Absolutely brilliant. Thanks for making my day. I have found it pleasurable to always begin the weekend with Poetrysoup because poets like you and poems like this do not disappoint. Have a lovely weekend
Spence Sr Avatar
December 2, 2020 at 12:34 AM
You're very welcome, my dear brother of God's grace. Thank you for your words of inspiration. Have a fantastic day, and God's richest grace and blessings to you and your loved ones always!
Slaughter Avatar
November 14, 2010 at 10:13 AM
This was a beautifully written poem! I am glad I read it! Thanks for sharing!
Spence Sr Avatar
December 2, 2020 at 12:35 AM
You're very welcome, my dear sister of God's grace. Thank you for your words of inspiration. Have a fantastic day, and God's richest grace and blessings to you and your loved ones always!
Al-Khalili Avatar
July 21, 2010 at 10:00 AM
Very interesting and the story itself is incredible and inspiring. Beautiful imagery of dancers and the atmosphere is exotic. Love, Sami.
Spence Sr Avatar
December 2, 2020 at 12:36 AM
You're very welcome, my dear friend of God's grace. Thank you for your words of inspiration. Have a fantastic day, and God's richest grace and blessings to you and your loved ones always! https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/53812816-sincerely-speaking-spiritually.
Beer Avatar
July 14, 2010 at 4:03 PM
I spent many years on the Rosebud Resesrvation in South Dakota buy I never witnessed any Indian ceremonies. You portrayed this maidens movements beautifully. God Bless, Cile
Spence Sr Avatar
December 2, 2020 at 12:36 AM
You're very welcome, my dear sister of God's grace. Thank you for your words of inspiration. Have a fantastic day, and God's richest grace and blessings to you and your loved ones always! https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/53812816-sincerely-speaking-spiritually.
A   Avatar
July 12, 2010 at 5:56 AM
very captivating,, the images and story are amazing. Loved it Joesph, Beautiful and eritic on the waves of the traditional dancers. Have a nice one,..p.d.
Spence Sr Avatar
December 2, 2020 at 12:37 AM
You're very welcome, my dear sister of God's grace. Thank you for your words of inspiration. Have a fantastic day, and God's richest grace and blessings to you and your loved ones always! https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/53812816-sincerely-speaking-spiritually.
Haick Avatar
July 10, 2010 at 4:01 PM
A beautiful Lyric filled with beautiful imagery, Joseph. Congratulations on your HM in Frank's sponsored "Images" Contest! Have a good weekend! Peace, love, Audrey
Spence Sr Avatar
December 2, 2020 at 12:37 AM
You're very welcome, my dear sister of God's grace. Thank you for your words of inspiration. Have a fantastic day, and God's richest grace and blessings to you and your loved ones always! https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/53812816-sincerely-speaking-spiritually.
Smith-Johnsen Avatar
July 10, 2010 at 9:56 AM
Great job writing this one, Joseph. Grace, eloquence, and womanhood are graciously portrayed. Keep up the good writing. Smiles, Dane Ann
Spence Sr Avatar
December 2, 2020 at 12:37 AM
You're very welcome, my dear sister of God's grace. Thank you for your words of inspiration. Have a fantastic day, and God's richest grace and blessings to you and your loved ones always! https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/53812816-sincerely-speaking-spiritually.
Mannan Avatar
July 10, 2010 at 4:19 AM
An absoloutely awesome poem.It really touches the reader. The end is superb. You are an inspiration to me. Thanks for your comments.
Spence Sr Avatar
December 2, 2020 at 12:38 AM
You're very welcome, my dear sister of God's grace. Thank you for your words of inspiration. Have a fantastic day, and God's richest grace and blessings to you and your loved ones always! https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/53812816-sincerely-speaking-spiritually.
Peranteau Avatar
July 8, 2010 at 7:36 PM
A beautiful Lyric here Mr. Spence ! I went to a Roanoke Pow Wow some years back in NJ and I was also fascinated by a particular dancer in the circle dance...thanks for the memories Sir ! james
Spence Sr Avatar
December 2, 2020 at 12:38 AM
You're very welcome, my dear brother of God's grace. Thank you for your words of inspiration. Have a fantastic day, and God's richest grace and blessings to you and your loved ones always! https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/53812816-sincerely-speaking-spiritually.
Brown Avatar
July 8, 2010 at 7:13 AM
Congratulations Joseph on your win in Frank Herrera's contest "Images". Love, Carol
Spence Sr Avatar
December 2, 2020 at 12:39 AM
You're very welcome, my dear sister of God's grace. Thank you for your words of inspiration. Have a fantastic day, and God's richest grace and blessings to you and your loved ones always! https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/53812816-sincerely-speaking-spiritually.
George   Avatar
July 8, 2010 at 2:22 AM
What a stunningly vivid image you have created in this lyrical dance, Joseph. Cngratulations on your win. Love, Lainie
Spence Sr Avatar
December 2, 2020 at 12:39 AM
You're very welcome, my dear sister of God's grace. Thank you for your words of inspiration. Have a fantastic day, and God's richest grace and blessings to you and your loved ones always! https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/53812816-sincerely-speaking-spiritually.
Fillmore Avatar
July 7, 2010 at 5:08 PM
Hi Joseph, thanks for your comment on my recent poem:)
Spence Sr Avatar
December 2, 2020 at 12:39 AM
You're very welcome, my dear sister of God's grace. Thank you for your words of inspiration. Have a fantastic day, and God's richest grace and blessings to you and your loved ones always! https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/53812816-sincerely-speaking-spiritually.
Amah Avatar
July 7, 2010 at 4:17 PM
... & your pen danced well, too ... congras!!! Canny
Spence Sr Avatar
December 2, 2020 at 12:40 AM
You're very welcome, my dear friend of God's grace. Thank you for your words of inspiration. Have a fantastic day, and God's richest grace and blessings to you and your loved ones always! https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/53812816-sincerely-speaking-spiritually.
Dietrich Avatar
July 7, 2010 at 11:04 AM
wow, great description. Did it get a prize! You pained the picture very well. LUv, Andrea
Spence Sr Avatar
December 2, 2020 at 12:41 AM
You're very welcome, my dear sister of God's grace. Thank you for your words of inspiration. Have a fantastic day, and God's richest grace and blessings to you and your loved ones always! https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/53812816-sincerely-speaking-spiritually.
Sweetheart Avatar
July 7, 2010 at 5:43 AM
Congrats Joseph on your HM in the Images contest with this wonderful write ..enjoy your very special honor my friend.. with luv from the "Sweetheart" in Hawaii.. I posted a new blog last night with some vacation photos of the hundred takend so if u want a little island magic please take a look..my blessings of my four sons and three grand babies also posted too.. luv..
Spence Sr Avatar
December 2, 2020 at 12:41 AM
You're very welcome, my dear sister of God's grace. Thank you for your words of inspiration. Have a fantastic day, and God's richest grace and blessings to you and your loved ones always! https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/53812816-sincerely-speaking-spiritually.
Knop Avatar
July 7, 2010 at 2:55 AM
Hi Joseph, loved your vivid description of a Pow-wow. Although I've never seen a ritual dance of the Oneida Nation, I'll see it now before my closed eyes! So nicely written and crafted, enjoyed reading your poem this morning! Thank you for your kind comment and have anice day...Gert
Spence Sr Avatar
December 2, 2020 at 12:41 AM
You're very welcome, my dear brother of God's grace. Thank you for your words of inspiration. Have a fantastic day, and God's richest grace and blessings to you and your loved ones always! https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/53812816-sincerely-speaking-spiritually.
Omaidin Avatar
July 6, 2010 at 7:21 AM
You have depicted the grace of the dance so well, creates a mighty picture. Well done! I really like lines 5 and 19 in particular I posted an 'Epulaeryu' on the 4th having read about it's construction on the site. Crubeens are a well known Irish dish. Déirdre Ó Maidín
Spence Sr Avatar
December 2, 2020 at 12:42 AM
You're very welcome, my dear friend of God's grace. Thank you for your words of inspiration. Have a fantastic day, and God's richest grace and blessings to you and your loved ones always! https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/53812816-sincerely-speaking-spiritually.
Devonshire Avatar
July 6, 2010 at 2:16 AM
Wow, Joseph, I was captivated by the description of this Native American woman and her dance. Wish I could have seen her performance, but your poem makes me feel like I was right there watching her with you. Excellent writing! Love, Carolyn
Spence Sr Avatar
December 2, 2020 at 12:42 AM
You're very welcome, my dear sister of God's grace. Thank you for your words of inspiration. Have a fantastic day, and God's richest grace and blessings to you and your loved ones always! https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/53812816-sincerely-speaking-spiritually.
Kendrick Avatar
July 5, 2010 at 1:16 PM
Interesting write...Oneida is an Indian Tribe name? Did not know that...Keep the creative pen flowing and educate us..Sara
Spence Sr Avatar
December 2, 2020 at 12:43 AM
You're very welcome, my dear sister of God's grace. Thank you for your words of inspiration. Have a fantastic day, and God's richest grace and blessings to you and your loved ones always! https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/53812816-sincerely-speaking-spiritually.
Bloomsfield Avatar
July 5, 2010 at 9:17 AM
Beautiful twilight dance with a touch of class,penned in verse. .Wonderful Mr.Spence :)C elene...
Spence Sr Avatar
December 2, 2020 at 12:43 AM
You're very welcome, my dear friend of God's grace. Thank you for your words of inspiration. Have a fantastic day, and God's richest grace and blessings to you and your loved ones always! https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/53812816-sincerely-speaking-spiritually.
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