Rain Dance

anticipation of summer rains in southwest desert

Far off towards the west, thunder and lightning flash in the desert sky

as dark clouds gather on the horizon.

Inhaling the moist fragrance of summer rains in the distance,

my enthusiasm escalates as I watch my herd of sheep respond with animated play.

Lambs energized as they bounce around on clumsy legs.

The air and animals charged with electricity in anticipation of being drenched with the male rain.

I share in the exhilaration of much needed moisture for parched plant life.

My horse awakens with newfound vitality, prancing and stomping hooves into the soft sand.

eliciting within... the need to release this energy!

We gallup along the mesa buttes in the cool breeze gathering the herd 

until our spirits calm in the sheer beauty of the sandstone landscape 

Even the plants seem to quiver and dance in happiness. 

I welcome the first droplets with outstretched arms, my face tilted to the heavens

as the desert comes alive with the monsoon rain  

grateful I take cover under the juniper trees huddled with my flock

as quickly as the cloudburst begin, the thunderstorm subsides  

I lead my horse and sheep back through the canyon quickly

soaked but content in the warm seasonal shower

anticapating fresh feed for my livestock and the harvest of berries, nuts and herbs. 

 

 

 

   

   

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Reviews

[Larry Dyson]

as I read this sister... Dini We need rain and as I used it to pray to grandfather ..it began to rain...ty to your ancestors and to white buffalo calf woman.Laury

[Robin]

these words transcend , as I am bathed in the spirit of your words Jaweena ~

[Desert Dreamer]

Your words contain such great wisdom and beauty. The world would be a different place if all of us had a chance to live life out under the sky. It is time for the summer rains, the first Monsoon cloud formed here yesterday, but no rain yet. Thank you for sharing your vision.

[Jaweena...Eileen Quinta..]

Ya'at'eeh friends, thank you for your kind words of encouragement to this beginner.
Emma, in answer to your question-we believe that rain, such as thunderstorms, microbursts or downpours are male. Soft summer rain showers or mist-like rain are-female. Our traditional teachings in duality or opposites are present in all things. Plant life, animal, humans and Mountains, rivers etc. All things have spirits. Navajo philosophy is very intricate and deep.

[emmajoy]

'Even the plants seem to quiver and dance in happiness. ' - and yes, yes, plants do that!

What a wonderful post, full of expectation, balanced excitement and then the joy of male rain to feed your world! May i ask why you assume the rain is male? Asking because I've always thought of it as genderless.

You'll be teaching me so much via your writings. The sight, feel and scent of your desert must surely be extraordinary. Thank you for sharing such beautiful words

[John Jackson (El Juero)]

Nizhoni! I treasure the vivid images I'm seeing as I read this masterpiece, soothed by the rain you so wonderfully described. I hear the horse prancing and nickering, the lambs, all legs, scrambling to keep up, calling to their Mother. And, of course, the rainstorm.
AheeHee, thank you for taking me there...