This Poem was Submitted By: Dellena Rovito On Date: 2006-05-09 15:59:50 . . . Click Here To Mail this Poem to a Friend!

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Rolling Thunder Medicine Man

Brilliant blue sky and lightly breezed the people gathered beneath the trees. In the woodland on that summer’s day, tribe united to rejoice and pray. The drums pulsated a gentle throb forming the bond, linking all with God. A woman and staff walked into place with body proper and mindset chaste. Wrapped in a blanket with headdress on blessing Earth Mother she laid upon. Throughout the forest swept drumbeats’ song the fevered heartbeat was pounding strong. A medicine man of the Cherokee  stepped from the cover of his teepee.  With a strong resolve to aid and heal beckoned spirits joined the healing wheel. Smoke from the bonfire purified all pulsating drums beat a mounting call. With face painted and his rattle there  he made prayer to the ‘everywhere’. Waving feathers and a bison whist he cleared the air with a sweeping wrist. Energy joined the medicine rite the cadence of the drums built in might. Changed to badger was “Rolling Thunder” a sucking growling magic wonder. Abnormal blue light flowed from within  chants of the tribe turned to sacred hymn. Natives bonded in the common goal the pounding drumbeats opened each soul. Over the group flew a wood wasp fly after circling thrice it moved by. An omen of good if it appears, a prophesy of the yesteryears.  Ebbing and flowing in moving song swinging beaters forced the rhythm on. The sage spewed foul, till there was no more, the woman rose off the earthen floor. Moving forward to submit her leave there’s not any notice of disease. The air weighed heavy with grace’s fill rhythmic drumbeats were pulsating still. Shaman said, “Ho! The rituals through there is nothing more for me to do”. The gathering cheered, many moist eyed in joy’s peace, let thanksgiving preside. The Great Spirit’s love had been declared drums resounded gratitude’s prayer.   Ritual finished, departure neared. ‘Kinship with all life,’ was held revered. With gleeful hearts they trickled away. Wonder had burst full that summer’s day. Over flew a skylark singing a trill the drums fell silent, the forest still.

Copyright © May 2006 Dellena Rovito


This Poem was Critiqued By: arnie s WACHMAN On Date: 2006-05-17 15:54:01
Critiquer Rating During Critique: 10.00000
I almost went to see Rolling Thunder after reading a book on him. He was giving a lecture (I don't remember where), but other things got in the way. A nice tight epic here of the man and what he does. I really believe in his style of medicine. I have only one suggestion which is as follows: A woman and staff walked into place......I didn't know what you were referring to here. Was it a staff (like a walking stick, or her staff (of women, etc.). So I would suggest if it's the former then make it read: A woman walked into place holding her staff, or something along those lines.


This Poem was Critiqued By: marilyn terwilleger On Date: 2006-05-10 15:28:40
Critiquer Rating During Critique: 10.00000
Hi D....I liked this the first time you posted it and I still think it is one of your finest writes! It is lryical and the rhyme is perfect. The lines flow with ease from one to the other and never seem forced or stuck in to make the rhyme. Oh how Mell would have loved this! well done my friend....your talent is showing!! Blessings...Marilyn
This Poem was Critiqued By: Lora Silvey On Date: 2006-05-09 21:37:40
Critiquer Rating During Critique: 10.00000
Dellena, Much better title, more drawing. This rhythmic ode flows along lyrically, it reminds me of the Navajo and Hopi sings only done in English/American. Wonderful discripters, great story telling in true NA tradition, well done. Wadoh Lora
This Poem was Critiqued By: Jordan Brendez Bandojo On Date: 2006-05-09 18:23:17
Critiquer Rating During Critique: 9.16667
Hi Dellena, I was wondering why you hid "Shaman's Drum" because it was already perfect for me. Now I know the reason why! I can also see some finishing touches you applied to the body of the poem and this stands out PROUD! Bravo! Jordan
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