Native American Dance

For millennia the dance has been danced,

sometimes fancy, sometimes a labor of

love, ever to honor all that is given and all

which is to come, the gifts and sacrifice. And

too, there is the thunder of drums beaten

throughout the centuries. Sons of the Native

dance, the ritual of forefathers and offspring

yet to come. All are born and duty-bound to

dance. Footprints here, there, everywhere,

momentous imprints laid in praise of the rich

and bountiful Mother Earth, giver of life, herald

of the promised Spirit World hereafter. Twists

and turns, and oh the dancing to the heartbeat

rhythm of drums. And left behind a prophetic sign—

the stirring dust of eternity to awaken and remind.

Chris Hanch 1-27-19