A twig from an ancient tree
was planted in this valley
ninety-years and a day ago
with grandparents' post-migration
...
White sage smolders
in red abalone shell
and the fragrant smoke
bows to the ONE.
...
I've been waiting for a call from the guys in Sacramento
to say when they will bring their new pow-wow drum,
me to smudge, say a few words over.
...