It was all school children’s
questions and answers
Only we were three adults
and two tiny tots
whose attention followed
insects and sunlight.
Bear Valley, Point Reyes
A hike through eucalyptus
To an Indian camp
Recreated, of course,
having killed off the Miwok
For religion and gold.
What did the tribe hunt?
Rabbit, quail, deer.
Where did they sleep?
In tipis of redwood bark.
Canopies of cottonwood alive in Spring,
Clam shells and abalone to trade.
And you, our young, stoic guide
So official in your tidy ranger garb
Wide-brimmed hat
Sunglasses
Rucksack of fake artifacts
Two-way radio.
When you unlocked the door
To the dark, sunken, ceremonial lodge
And asked us to rotate counterclockwise
Before entering the circular dome –
Was it the shape of tradition
that caused your voice to soften?
With eyes glistening
You spoke of all things lost
To a rising sea, to greed.
“Tread lightly upon the earth!” you said.
Then, turning counterclockwise,
You led us outside onto the flowered meadow.
©Viktoria Vidali, May 28, 2009.
Learn more about the Miwok Indians.
If you enjoyed this, you may also like: A Teacher To Remember.
