Sage Smoke
Standing with the Cleveland Native Americans
who are standing with Standing Rock
the sage smoke circle ends
with Blossom saying
“Give your thanks your way”
I nod to the green of the trees
the blue of the sky
then down to the clover on the ground
and the honey bee caressing it.
I am thankful.
Hours later the sage smoke
is replaced by a bee smoker
fired with cedar chips
small twigs
and a sumac seed cluster
as we inspect our hive.
Again, I am thankful.
– Smith, 10.17.2016
