FEATHER AND ARROWHEAD

Milk the fire with the blood
That runs from your heart to his.
Tonight is a celebration of spirits and tradition.
Spirits take the place of stars.

Your homeland stretches from Yosemite to the Everglades.
Apache, Seminole, Cherokee,
Wave your wings and pound your mocs,
As the drum throbs garnet oil through your veins.

Old man sings his hymn with braids
And a wrinkled face.
Intruders plant crows around his eyes.
All knowledge and tradition sit cross-legged,
Absorbing into his soul.

They chant and dance with painted faces.
Try to preserve what was once theirs.
Keep alive the spirit that makes the fire burn,
And the feather and arrowhead twist and scream.