Fluttered

Feathers fluttered in the lines as drummers started chanting.
Warriors started dancing forward, colors showing brightly.
Elders shuffled around the circle remembering their youth.
Traditions flowed down the line as drummers continued chanting.
All chanting stopped, the prayers were said the honors now began.

They welcomed into the tribe the gentle old man.
They blessed him with his native name, then wrapped him in a blanket.
Silently he said a prayer that encompassed them all.

Gently in his sleep that night he crossed over.
Feathers fluttered in the line as drummers began chanting.
They carried him to meet Grandfather in the ancient way.
They burnt the sage and sang for him on this special day.

Once more into the tribe the ancients welcomed him.
No more to wander unfamiliar lands.
Feathers fluttered in the breeze for he was finally home.