for Diana, Kim, and Karrie
The Hopi, the Peaceful Ones, worship more
than 400 kachinas—lifebringers
who dwell on earth and in cosmos, adored
for blessings they bestow as they linger
in alpine tundra of Agassiz Peak.
Uncles give them as dolls, carved for nieces
to receive at the Bean Dance. So I seek
to offer you Angak, who releases
healing spirits as you hold him, long white
gown flowing to his feet, waist-length black hair,
dark beard to midchest, with only his right
hand visible, grasping a small, ever-
green bow. His cape—adorned with rain clouds, deep
colors of night—protects you as you sleep.
Roger Armbrust
January 4, 2009
