Soul Shadow

"Swift Eagle..."
he is summoned on-stage by his brother
the crowd is hushed -- expectant
there is no breeze to stir the feathers
strapped to his arms
strapped to his back
bright colours muted by the roar of the sun
feathers passed down
by ancestors
from ancestor
to ancestor
ancient feathers of his totem
now protected by interloper's law
Swift Eagle stands proud
tall and straight
an arrow aimed at the heart of the sun
poised
waiting
ready
to fly

his father's fingers
weathered and wise
teach the taut skin of the drum
        know the rhythm
        know the heartbeat
        know the earthbeat
his father's voice rises and falls
an undulating chant cooling the arid air
singing up a draft, a breeze, a wind
the crowd is still -- silent -- fading -- gone...
he has sung them out of being

Swift Eagle spreads his arms...

...i spread my wings and soar upon the song
my brother Sun casts my shadow far below
i see it swoop over the dry plains
i see it soar over the mountain peaks
i see it glide over the cool waters
i lift my head
i cry my exultation
i cry my freedom
my wings gather the wind and lift my higher
Mother Earth smiles below as i pierce the blue skies
the rhythm of life beats within my head
within my heart
within my soul
i fly
i am free
i am eagle
i am...

...Swift Eagle

the song has finished
the echoes of the drum's voice
are absorbed by the rock walls
the crowd are reality again
Swift Eagle stands with his arms by his side
and lets the waves of appreciation break
upon his proud humbleness
on the ground behind him
the sun of his ancestors
casts the shadow of his soul

an eagle spreads its wings
and soars