The Fall of Sayatasha'

[jbstillwater]

artwork by Janet K. Brennan


Nights seem clean on her mountain
Of gray owls and old poorwills
She washes in the river
And gathers through the hills.

Stained by yesterday’s fall,
A cloak of linen and lace
When arrows dipped in fire
an imminent fall from grace.

He came with smiling eyes
Tripping on her gown
A garment spun by spiders
The razzle-dazzle-round.

Through a metaphoric rhyme
His heart was set to tune
Bouquets he’ll never gather
‘Tho they danced ‘neath the desert moon.

For the thorn amongst the flower
Tears the briar to wood
And burns to ashen tomorrows
The lovers and the fool.

Oh Sayatasha'
Hide beneath your steel
So swift the kill and gone
The battle of the will.

For another waits to dance
Upon your grave of moss
Nights seem clean on her mountain
Yet she cries for her loss.

For he came with smiling eyes
Tripping on her gown
A garment spun by spiders
A razzle-dazzle-round.

Through a metaphoric rhyme
His heart was set to tune
Bouquets he’ll never gather
While they danced ‘neath the desert moon.

Janet K. Brennan

[rrw]

Nice, how you weave a mythical love story together here. There's a haunted feel to this piece... both spiritual and human. Great job, JB.

[johan]

Well Jan I enjoyed this one very much, it is as always exceptional writing, loved the artwork as well.

Andrew

[michaelgallatin]

I like all things American Indian. There's a question of my lineage but assuming my Mom's parents were birth parents and not adoptive, I'm part Mohawk. I like to believe it anyway as there's also no proof otherwise. I truly enjoyed this through I found it bittersweet.

Take care,
Mike


PS - Actually our American Indian heritage is very bittersweet. When I got my MSW, I wrote a paper for a Social History class that I called "American Genocide". It didn't pull any punches Jan! What "we" did to a great people was beyond sad and an act of murderous intent. I admire the American Indians for their living with the land and the animals upon it and for their belief that God (a life force, "taku skan skan") flowed through everything. In many ways I'm more like that in my own religious belief than in any other of the "organized religions". God bless and God rest a fine way of life!

[jbstillwater]

That really is true, Mike, they are a deeply spiritual and beautiful people and they lost so much, very sad. I also have native americanblood, originally from New England, I have some Naragansett. When I was young with dark hair and features, it was far easier to notice than now as I age and have lightene. It is in my genes and I have always been fascinated with the culture and lore. .

[johan]

Had to return for another read Jan, delightfuly written, but sad, though really enjoyed it again.

Andrew