A Native Dance For Royalty

2008-08-21T06:52:26+00:00

A native dance,
Saved for those of
Divine lineage.
Succession of movements
Owing gratitude to
The oldest nation,
The first people.
Eight owing their lineage
To Africa:
Four men, four women.
Glistening bodies
Rippling torsos
Chiseled into slate.
Orange and blue full pant.
Adorned: shells and beads.
Nappy hair, braided hair
Whipping and arching.
Bandoleers of shells across
Broad chests, full breasts.
Drums.
Flailing, bounding
Jumping --
The pounding of drums,
Like an exaggerated
Heartbeat, a basic
Hypnotic pounding.
Dancing prancing
Arms flailing up,
Around, down.
Stepping hard with
Full thighs and
Tensed feet.
Gyration and pelvic thrusts.
Arms pitching,
Beat driving,
Sweat dripping.
Synchronized movement.
A dance of hot foot.
Bounding, thrashing,
Arms propelling in
Circles -- around,
As though the air
Would give flight.
Showing reverence to
The blood flowing within
Those honored and
Revered.