Ceremony

Way back when, I had the good fortune to be made an honorary Maasai ('tis true). Here's something that sprung forth from the event...

Ceremony

A proud group
Walking
In Finery
In Dust
I approach and question
One I know
The others watch quietly.

An Invitation
To welcome and understanding.

A tree-bole cut and polished
Hardened by Fire
And used
Before my conception,
A charm
Bound, Beaded, Scented, Given
To protect
A Ward in the Wilderness.

An Invitation
To knowledge and belonging.

Surprised, a spear flies
A shield is raised
And in a circle,
Stories told
As a fire burns
A gourd is lifted
Round the Circle
Leaping, chants to the Sky.