Ochosi

 

 

The tree gives birth to the arrow

that cannot miss the tree.

The crime gives birth to the sentence

that cannot miss the crime.

The quarry and the hunter

bound by the track between them on the hard ground

bound by the track between them in the cold air.

The link is forged before the clock can tick.

The link is forged before the eye can blink.

The arrow is the tree turned back on itself.

The arrow knows where to go.

 

Strong amid green leaves

silent amid brown branches

deadly in the moonlight hush

as the arrow flies forth.

Sorcerous one, stalker,

you protect and encircle,

you send your force through the bush

to capture your prey.

Bring us food, bring us justice,

bring us good consequences.

The night watchman is popular.

We behave because we should,

because you are in the wood.

 

© 2000 Gregor Everitt