Read Black Elk Speaks by John G Neihardt
Back in the Age of Aquarius nineteen seventies.
Black Elk, powerful Medicine Man, mystic too.
Parts of the book trails of tears, sorrowful times
Sadden me what Black Elk went through.
At the end of the book Black Elk did a rain dance
And the rains fall, according to John G Neihardt.
Night I finished the book had a mystical dream.
On the top of a street lived near in my youth
Trouble making teenagers gathered wild and rambunctious.
Black Elk appears looking old, decrepit, weak and helpless.
Teenagers yell, “Make it rain, make it rain, Black Elk!”
Knowing he couldn’t do it, taunting, disrespecting him.
He starts unsteady powwow dance steps, chants weakly
Teenagers laugh and keep making fun of him.
I say, “Don’t, don’t,” at what they’re doing to ancient-looking Black Elk
Black Elk keeps dancing and chanting, feeble attempts.
Teenagers keep laughing hysterically, fall to the ground holding their stomachs.
Suddenly massive dark clouds roll in from the four corners of the world, shocking sight.
Teenagers scream in terror, as if death is coming, end of their lives.
Smiling, I gaze at Black Elk. Seconds later I’m standing in the center of the universe
Beholding endless planets and stars. Woke up, mind blown, knew it was more than a dream,
Genuine contact with a powerful Medicine Man. I think because of empathy.
Bob Boyd