Poem: Sacred Falls

SACRED FALLS
It was a two mile trek
into dense jungle growth
from a round clearing
into a fast running creek
over round smooth slippery stones
one had to bend low
to get into the dense jungle path
stepping carefully
yet stumbling over tree roots
into a path of tall jungle plants
a path pink from fuschia flowers.

Out into a clearing
dwarfed by immense rock cliffs
where previous waterfalls fell
could be heard the Sacred Falls.
Another running stream to cross
wider steps to take
over faster moving water
larger rock boulders.

There were the Sacred Falls
drowning out the sound
of human voices
spraying a cool mist
plunging with power
to the waters below.

I held the Cornmeal to the skies
in meditative prayer
Where is the Maid of the Mist,
the Keeper of the Sacred Falls?
The Cornmeal fell from my fingers
spreading itself among
whirl pools of water.

Many times I have returned
to those Sacred Falls
to bathe in its showering mist
envelop in its white light
the white light of energy
energizing heart
mind, body and spirit.

(for the Sacred Falls at Big Island of Hawaii.. published in Writing the Circle Native Women of Western Canada, 1990, NeWest Publishers, Edmonton, Alberta)