Eleven summers had passed for Whitefeather and his cousin
Stoneboy. Soon they would take their turn in joining those who had achieved manhood in the
Cheyenne nation. Honored ones who had earned their place as the hunters of the dangerous
buffalo. The riders of the strong willed horses, those who put their lives before comfort
or apprehension in order to defend their people with an honor of fearlessness and courage,
and always to listen to the respected wisdom and guidance of their elders.
The cousins also knew that this would be the last year they
could enter the young eyes games and win the prizes of childhood, in all of this time
Whitefeather had never come close to being called in front of the council fires for his
deeds. He vowed that this last year would be won, by his name being called by a victory he
had achieved at any cost.
It is, when The Chief calls all together to announce: that
"when the full of the moon shines its face, the next morning will be the beginning of
the games."
No one knew what may be asked of them; swimming the fast
currents of the cold waters of the river, shooting arrows and hitting their mark from a
far distance, climbing the great craggy bluffs that overlooked the flat land below. There
was always recognition and rewards for the completion of these difficult tasks. Although
Whitefeather never was able to run as fast, swim as long or shoot his arrow as far as
Stoneboy, this year he had to try as he never had before, he had to prove to himself and
to the others, that he was ready for the responsibility of manhood.
No one seemed to think that he could do this impossible
task, no one except Whitefeather, but he was confident in his plan, now he had to practice
patience and silence, building his strength until the right time had arrived, the time of
THE LOOK.
COMMENTARY:
Even the best of plans cannot possibly foresee what may
present itself in a moment of time to those who think the best of thoughts or map the best
of possibilities. It is said by elders, that courage, friendship and truth will accomplish
all the good that needs to be done to mend the world and make the crooked path straight.
It is in this way, the story before you unfolds. |
