SUMMER SOLSTICE - June 21, 2017

• \ I rise to a lightening sky, stepping out into the cool morning with a breeze fresh enough to make me hug my sweater round myself. A pale fingernail moon hangs in the eastern sky as if pinned there by Venus. Gulls and geese raise their voices to herald the coming day. Smoke from the ceremonial smudge drifts lazily about water and fruit set out on the picnic table, blessing these things to our bodies' use. The scents of sweetgrass and tobacco waft through those gathered round. The voice of the drum accompanies a solitary singer as we are led by the elders to offer up prayers for the coming day, for this new season of plenty and for all people that we may live and work in peace. "B'zoo," "Good morning," "Bonjour," "Mino kizhep." Soft greetings exchanged as we create an endless circle, handshakes and hugs, laughing as we begin to recognize each other by language, clothing and who has warm hands. The sun, for whom we have gathered to thank for this new day on the cusp of the summer solstice, rises above the abandoned elevator and warms us with an orange-pink glow. Megwich, Gitche Manitou!

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