Native of Blood

Kneeling by the river
washing his blood stained hands

Tiger claw necklace draping in the current
minnows scatter at the site of the distorted face

the native arises to a stand
watching life flow in and around him

his tribe now mostly slaughtered
all that lives now is the shaman and the chief

walk until he arrives at the prairies
crouching
looking
watching
waiting

the brave finally emerges from the brush
slithering like a serpent at his prey

Shaman meditating over a murdered child
entering the spirit world to free the child's soul

the brave slithers closer
now only 3 feet away

he raises his arm
tomahawk clenched in hand

the quick down thrust
cracking into the skull

What was earlier 12 to 1
is now 1 to 1

The dieing sun
dimly lighting the cave
which cradles the chief

face decorated
mind running
body cold
hands dry

the chief awoke from his daze
only by the dark shadow
glaring at him
only 3 feet away