Get out the Horn and the Funny Hat
by Phyllis Jean Green
Thursday, December 21, 2006
Hopi Prophecy
The end of all Hopi ceremonialism will come when a "Kachina" removes his mask during a dance in the plaza before uninitiated children [the general public]. For a while there will be no more ceremonies, no more faith. Then Oraibi will be rejuvenated with its faith and ceremonies, marking the start of a new cycle of Hopi life.
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Look at us! We are the World!
So many races, so many nationalities,
so many voices joining in concert.
We sing, we argue, we laugh, we weep.
We lecture, we exhort, we rant
and we rave. Most of all, we share.
Our ups, our downs, our pasts.
Our hopes and our hurts.
Some of us spend December
trying to beat the heat. Some of us
draw near fire. Some of us celebrate
Hanukkah. Some of us set up
mangers and try to find the lyrics
to a Christmas carol. Some of us
are too busy begging for food to fill
our bellies to be concerned with dates.
Calendars are for the rich. Yes,
it feels like a sin to celebrate
anything. Each toy makes us see
a child who died, never having played.
But those of us who are lucky enough
to be able to connect over waves
and feel our stomachs fill
can’t help but feel our spirits lift
now and then. Want to lift others’!
Celebrate that we have the urge
to reach out. Can see, hear, touch.
Whether we give credit to God,
G_d, or a Great Spirit, Buddha
or some mysterious fire that burns
scarcely tended, we are given
moments that steal our breath. See.
an old oak soar, see a newborn
raise a tiny, star-shaped hand
already able to grasp. See tinsel
from a dollar store catch the light,
simple proof that light exists.
Life shouts Look! Listen! Feel!
Get a holiday, need to take
a break and soak up sun. Ski
or couch-potato, holding hands..
Gather loved ones and hug hard.
Find a way to give more
than we can give, then enjoy
the parade. Make our own holiday.
Make it count, make it last.
For most of us, a New Year
is on the way. Hallelujah !
(c) Phyllis Jean Green
December, 2006
Angels That Care
