Afterlife Ceremony

"Afterlife Ceremony" is a poem that depicts the history of The Hopewell Mound located in Chillicothe, Ohio where The Hopewell People (native Americans) held burial ceremonies for their loved ones.

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Tired feet traipse across the land

guided by the moon goddess,

counting many moons

in search of a precious valley.

Multitudes of tribes gather

preparing for ceremonial feasts

pouring hours of sweat from their skin,

toiling up steep embankments

carrying heavy baskets of red and yellow clay,

molding celestial mounds.

A ceremonial pipe,

burning special herbs and sage

passes from hand to hand

in a unique burial ritual,

just as the light of the solstice’s shines

to guide one's soul to the afterlife.

Vessel pots filled with hand carved copper and mica,

stone tools, pipes, and precious gems

are placed near the ash remains,

completing the rite of passage,

preparing their journey,

sealing the earthen wall

with blessings of the “Spider Woman”.

By Brenda Arledge

From: United States

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