Gentle spirals of smoke rose from earthen huts, children played and women performed their chores while their men hunted for game. Such a peaceful site in the face of impending carnage.
The army gathered on the distant rise preparing to launch its attack to conquer the land these people worshiped.
~~ Dominic R. DiFrancesco ~~
Corn Woman’s Task by Sandi J. Ludescher
Awake before the sun rises;
Bleary-eyed still resolute
No thanks are offered for her toil.
As she nudges her brood from slumber,
Calloused hands stroke the hair of her babies.
To gentle voice and loving words they wake
Casting acknowledging smiles skyward.
The aromatic scent of cornbread wafts from afar,
Inviting even at this early hour, tickling their tiny noses.
Ritual plays itself out day after day, morning after morning,
She would have it no other way.
This brood, her pride and joy is her life, her love, all that she lives for.
Every wrinkle like a path through time,
Each hair of gray that adorns her head
Are worn with pride and concern for them.
Her destiny and birthright lay before her, born for the love of her Brave…
These are her legacy.
What greater gift could a mother leave this world than her children, her culture
And Mother earth just as she found her.
~
~~ Dominic R. DiFrancesco ~~
Prompt: Jeremy’s Daily Challenge – Picture This Monday 23 June
Watching the Game by Carruscaux
The chase is on!
With spring comes fresh meat after the long cold winter.
Antelope, deer plentiful on the plains–sustain us;
Feeding our women and children,
Keeping us strong as we hunt and gather.
This is our way,
This is how it has always been.
We hunt, taking only what we need
Leaving thriving herds for those that may follow.
Traveling north to escape the heat of approaching summer
We thank the gods for our bounty,
Praise our ancestors for imparting their knowledge,
Blessing the earth for her plenty.
Sending the souls of our prey onward
To the great hunting ground in the sky.
This we record for future generations,
That they may respect the land
Entrusted to them by their fathers
…And their fathers before them.
~
~~ Dominic R. DiFrancesco ~~
~
Prompted by Jeremy’s Daily Challenge – Picture This Monday 14 April
Dom DiFrancesco 