Prompted by Poet's Place Cafe

Tepkunset - Building a Trellis -Acrostic

Tepkunset
She Who Walks in Moonlight

Time was, only the people hunted here,
every blade of grass had meaning.
Prayer was a walk in the moonlight,
kindness was given to the earth,
until the big canoes came from across the waters.
Noise from their fire sticks brought thunder to our land,
sadness sat with the fever they spread.
Elders made powwow to stop the threat,
tokens were exchanged and treaties made.

Spring blossomed, in the earth’s way, after winter,
hope opened its heart,
eager to marry new ways with the old ones.

Wistful and curious,
her watchful eyes blinded, a young girl
obscured herself in the night.

Waiting to steal into their camp
and see for herself the future,
longing replaced wisdom,
keen to touch
shining trinkets and pots of metal.

Instead of the sparkle of sunlight
nocturnal shadows played before her.

Moonlight shone
off her midnight hair,
only the hoot of an owl
nearby, could be heard.
Listening with her spirit ,
instinct born of time, with
grace, caution returned. She
happened upon a broken war lance,
turned and walked home led by the moon.
                             ~~Judi Van Gorder


Notes: ▼

32 Lines
Tepkunset - Native American girl’s name meaning moon
Verse Form: Acrostics  
For: "DISCUSSION: Building the Trellis"