56: Da-Nah-Wah’uwsdi

Outside for a little war lesson,

ball-play taught with rock,

no hickory to begin;

Grandfather of pipe and hide,

paint-and-charcoal white,

said to catch

the

rock you must

be ready

and as it comes

to you

back your palms

gently

away as it lands;

remove

its force; take it softly

in grace

from its travel. You must break in

and allow it to finish

in you.

For if you come

to its speed and take it,

it will shatter

your hand.

Your catch is a supplication made

for the joy of the creator; do not dodge