The sky is dark save for one star
A radiant blaze of white
Beneath it burns a ritual fire
Flames reaching for the night.
Four Shamans in a circle sit
The cardinal points portrayed
Each chants an urgent message
Their words are now relayed.
They reached the Great One's spirit
Rising with the smoke
He listened as each one beckoned
Then paused before he spoke.
As silence came - footsteps fell
Like thunder on the ground
A figure moves among them
Emotions here abound
A rattle whirrs - a flute is played
A drum beats slow and strong
This one in skins begins his dance
The Great One hears his song
The seeker plays his sacred role
As done those times before
He asks that life be given
To his people ever more.
The village waits to hear the words
The Great One's final answer
They know that it will come thru him
This honored Fire Dancer
(c)Brother Wolf '99