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"Ghost Shirts
is a
adventurous romp set in a metaphorical
time revolving within the resurgence of the Indian belief in The Rite Of
Purification. This Rite was first performed as the "Prophets Dance",
popularly known as the "Ghost Dance", of the late 1800’s when
American Indians were sequestered onto reservations and Christianized. The story’s
theme is in tune with the current struggle in the Indian heart between a
spiritual past and material future. "Ghost Shirts ‘2000" reflects
this struggle through the experience of two young braves; both aspiring to
become men as they follow their heart's path..
"Brothers of the Wind; the first child was a difficult birth, born in that
moment of darkness before the dawn; Hanhepi
wi, light of wisdom, in darkness. Long moments later, the second, born
in the clear light of first dawn, Anpetu
wi, source of light, sacred light from Grandfather Sun. One driven by the
west wind, right handed under
the
symbol of the star; one driven by the east wind, left handed; influenced
by the heart. Ancestral names they would
keep until their earning day upon vision quest (hambeday) or in battle.
One yearned for visions, one for adventure."
Chapter Five
The
brothers journey begins with "hambeday", the first step on the path of
manhood, each brave heart manifesting its destiny in character.
What follows is a test of strength-of-character as the unraveling of each
brother’s path accordingly, widens into a differing reality.
"And
so, as the shimmering rays of Grandmother Moon simmer above the quiet of
the Reservation, the
question remains. Is it a question
of adaptation, as the quickly maturing Storm’n Eyes has so readily accepted, and
so subtly, alluded to in his proud manner?" Chapter thirty-one
In the dark, Anpetu wi’s eyes seek out the one ray of yellow moonlight casting
its shimmering circle on the flat concrete
and suddenly, he feels a stirring within, like a dark cloud letting in
the light after swiftly passing.
"Be as the light…..Follow your heart’s path, Anpetu
wi, and
all will end well. Be true to yourself…..I am here as guide….always."
Chapter Thirty-one
The
journey ends when the brothers life-paths separate irrevocably, one seeking
reward on a material plane, the other, spiritual. "Ghost Shirts '2000'
strives, not so much to set a moral tone as to be spiritually challenging
while enlightening. It is also a dissection of cultures and how culture
affects a heart, as well as, a people.
"The loss of Indian Culture is a loss to all Mankind. The diversity of human
culture is what is
becoming extinct and, with it, the lessons to be learned by its very diversity."
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Only $9.00US! Ebook works on any Windows system. This is a full Novel
of over 400 Pages including Pictures and Internet Links! |