Sheila Williams ~ Singing Cloud

THIS IS OUR DANCE!

Sing and dance the drums are beating
tell a story with your body moving,
the flames are keeping time with the rhythm
knots popping sparks are flying.

Skin glows in the firelight;
paint and feathers make the tale come alive;
as the story unfolds before your eyes;
you know this you are a part of.

From the time of the ancients
this is our way and we are proud
of every step and hop – be it stomp
or hunters fire here you are in the circle of our life.

Hoop dancer, this is your chance
show the world how to do it,
Eagle brother bless our fire
bring the way of life to your people.

Story, legend, myth, or tale
done our own way it is better,
dance the way of your ancestors
this itself is a prayer.

Honor here is given to Mother Earth,
and Creator, Father Sky
and the Four Winds,
here is where our children learn respect of their people.

Love, laughter, and giving;
this is the way of my people,
kin reaching out to each other
helping to remember we are Earth’s children.

Connections of the best kind
spirit touching spirit,
come together for the sharing
let our world spread again to include us.

These are things that cannot be taken
though they try they cannot walk our path,
no more do we hide in the shadows
hear us now as we lift our voices!