SWEAT LODGE

A poem about the Native American ritual of Sweat Lodge.

SWEAT LODGE

They sat in a round circle of brotherhood.
Drawn to Sweat Lodge by amain beatings of
Their native drums unsettling the night
As they'd done since the days of their ancestors.

Smoke encircled the pipe with mutable rings
Over each warrior who came from strong stock...
Strength of body, mind, soul and spirit
Dispelling every thought of mortal weakness.

Great Spirit came to give blessings of truth.
Red Wolf arrived to give enlightenment.
White Buffalo was there to give courage,
And Black Bear brought the power to survive.

Long after the circle disbanded for the night,
A steady beat...beat...beat of sacred drums
Called through the mists of dawn to reunite the past
With the present in synchronized rhythms of the heart.
~~~~

Dedicated to each Native American brother and sister.