The gradual beat of the host drum fills the cedar scented arbour.
Causing shuffling moccasinned feet to move in rhythm
while roach feathers bob and leather fringe sways to drum rhapsody.
Flag and staff carriers circle the arbour in a maelstrom of colour leading,
others spiral behind accompanied by metal jingle and hoof bell.
Grassdancers sweep and sway, making ground sacred in traditional ways
Shaman blesses with  sweet grass, sage and cedar smudge desecrated ground.
Symphony of colour assaults the eyes, twirling fancy, fluttering shawl,
owl and chicken dancers stamping, toddler, teen, warrior, elder.
All moved to dance the spirit way, asking Grandfather' blessing
Honour dances, bestowing of song and name, birth and death mingling
Circling of eagles on wind and wing lifts acknowledging voices to Creator
powwow gathering conceiving unity of family weaves the threads of life.

April 2000, Cloudwalker

This writing came to me while watching the Chilliwack 8th Annual Powwow Grand Entry.  It brought visions of the outside pows that I had attended the previous summer. I hope that you can feel the power and sacredness of this ceremony.  Aho.