USA

meridienjp1@juno.com

Next Time
(a meditation on ancestral memories)


wading into reflections
immersed in the roar of the crowd
free Cathy walked toward the center of the earth
lowered her torch to the still waters
ignited a running ring
the firedance surrounded her
please do not let them burn her

logic said they left her a way to escape
they won't burn her she's their only
Aboriginal symbol
pioneer and champion
reason replied they burn symbols have
incinerated pioneers may sacrifice champions
do not let them burn her

she would make such a glowing sacrifice
consecrate the games fire their spirits
purify the hemorrhaging history of
Down Under's new world order
so brave her grace in silent
running waves all around her
do not let them burn her

a sly miracle woman she
escaped the burning
stepped clear of the ring
leaving the fire this time
and faced the arena where the crowd waited
for the games to begin

© Copyright 2001, Jeanne Powell.
All Rights Reserved. Printed By Permission.