Cherokee

Cherokee

(Tall Warrior of Tanasi)

White smoke ascends above the distant hearths

the softness of the cold inside connotes;

while snow continues spreading on the earth,

his spotted chestnut snorts, and vapor floats.

Concerned, the stalwart, stares above the land

where snow-flakes in the winter gust rotate

the herds of buffalo were forced to strand-

-and massive hunting made them relocate.

The Ag'tanahi-Anisgaya words fly

with crows' invisible fast wings and stray,

they guide his solemn spirit to reply

to calls, the sovereign woods and night convey.

The Warrior of Tanasi harks the sough,

the trees conduct to him along the slope,

what precognitions in the ethers strew,

who has the wisdom will translate their trope.

The winds transmit the ancestors' same song

to the Tanasi of the Cherokee, Tall soul,

inside the woods, they dance with snow along

repetitive crows winging and the skies' call.

Inside the night he drifts along with death's fare

where sacrifice redeems itself with pride

The Ancient Spirit shall bestow his care,

for the Tanasi tribe, he will provide.

® G.V. 09-03-2011, All rights reserved

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