040610c Fall Of First Blood Poem by Manonton Dalan

early morning before sun kisses
ridges of cloud reaching mountains
elders gather around for a feast
transformation of a child to manhood
a ritual keep secret from women
their presence put a curse on man

strip naked they run up and down river
then soak for good hour while tribal
medicines are burn accompanied by
chanting and dancing greeting the sun
elders give advice to kids to be brave
then kneel facing sun for circumcision