Sister Nations: Native American Women Writers on Community

In

Inés Hernández-Avila Nimipu/Tejana Tough Audience Indi’n women are tough we can see through things, people, situations, games, and cut to the heart of it all There’s an assessment that goes on without the need for words It happens in a flash Suddenly it all becomes clear sometimes too clear if you know what I mean And the response? It might be a look right at you It might be a look intentionally away from you It might be a look down It might be a look up Pay attention to the look Read it Get it Be right there with the look It’s called being in sync with the cosmos 96 Brother’s Passing for “Cy” Narcisse Bierle In the longhouse our brothers dance to the spirit-calling songs of the walah’tsa the Seven Drums offering themselves for you with loving devoted intent marking the place where your body rests on this sacred earthen floor making sure the exact spot is known we follow the lead of the wise ones guiding us through the night attentive to the renewal of our people as we send you home the sky world opens as the path is sung into creation for you such richness of voice of heart united of communal vision of joyous eternity there is brilliance everywhere as the story of your life is told here is when hearts share how you touched them this is your honoring song singing I see the spirit ones appear to bring your noble warrior spirit over the voices of the Seven Drums 97 call them call them call them call them sing them into the lines of flowers reaching from your resting body to the stars our brothers dancing help you rise to meet them With the dancing and the singing and the prayer with the dancing and the singing and the prayer You begin the walk to the place of peace the oldest ones come from the oldest times the ones who knew you in your life are the first in the lines to receive you hands outstretched Your journey is protected Your spirit steps are blessed in beauty as our spirits join to help you with the dancing and the singing and the prayer with the dancing and the singing and the prayer singing I feel your love strong heart and your truth is everywhere beloved grandson beloved son beloved brother beloved father beloved warrior singing I am alert to the wonder and the whole earth dances for you 98 ...