12. They Come From the Waters

They come from the waters:
lake, ocean, river.
I’ve seen them
emerging slowly, deliberately,
stepping from deep spaces onto shore.

By only moonlight, they begin.
Sometimes they sing you to them,
unintelligible words wrap around and
draw you near.
Other times they fake a human plea,
too pitiful to abandon.
They can make the still waters dance
white shimmering reflection.

With a power so strong, particles
of copper shed from their bodies.
Tokens of good to balance the actions
of theft, death and lying.

I watched them
drown you
then release you.
Then sink back into the waters.

Tobacco, prayers, a thick sweat,
a journey.
Sweat, smudge, cleanse
Medicine for the body
Medicine for the body
Medicine for the body

(9/27/13)