Shamans were the first
Einsteins, bicyclists, and blue ribbon apple pie bakers. Shamans receive their calling
from blackberries and
commune with disembodied spirits through apples.
Shamans journey to the spirit world
and bring back moon rocks, postcards of the Eiffel Tower, and empty bottles of tequila.
Shamans work for the benefit of their communities,
plug in their electric guitars and collect the garbage.
During times of disbelief or persecution,
shamans secretly do their work standing
in lines, in banks, in grocery stores,
along the branches of family trees.
When you are waiting for your turn at the high dive,
there is always a shaman somewhere in line behind you, beating a drum,
beating a drum.
Denita M. Benyshek, © March 1, 2010