red streets

 

drums are the background

this tapestry is woven on

keeping us rooted

to the earth and each other

as we dance in the streets

and our ancestors bleed

 

spirits are high

tempers too

dignity is held

in our hands before us

an offering

taken and set aside

 

shake your head

but hold it high

we are standing

tall as trees

and the truth rustles in our hair

like the wind in the leaves

 

  denver, 9 october 2000