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Jo Balistreri

In the Third Year of Drought

Inspired by Beaker with Shells, 900-1100, Cleveland Museum of Art

He throws a gnarled chunk of apple wood to spark the flames, brighten the darkness. Though it’s April, the night is cold with a biting wind. The men draw closer to the stone hearth. Ruddy frets of firelight burnish a gold-hammered cup on a side table where the shaman, in plume headdress and beaded robe, stirs in crushed spondylus shell and meat in the chicha. He mumbles the secret words, then pours the thick liquid into the vessel and takes a drink. Turning to face those gathered, he passes the goblet among them.

They drink to the moon, to the water gods. When he finishes, the shaman will lead them in the linked rain dance, the rain chants. They will go like this until dawn.

dry creek caws of a lone crow

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Note: Click here to see Beaker with Shells.

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About the Author

Mary Jo Balistreri has three published books of poetry and a chapbook. Even when “Jo” isn’t writing haiku she is thinking about it as it helps her to maintain a sense of gratitude and appreciation. She and her husband live in Duluth, Minnesota. Visit her at maryjobalistreripoet.com.