The Mythical Trickster Coyote

Coyote is often considered a trickster spirit, but he is also a powerful shaman. He is said to have the ability to shape shift, and to see into both the past and the future. Coyote is a teacher, and his lessons are sometimes hard to learn. But if we listen to his wisdom, we can find our way through any situation.

fifth world coyotes

by t. zoEy benally, Shiprock, Navajo Nation © 2006

they sniff bushes
linger and lean on guardrail adhesive reflectors
to catch some evidence thread's frayed end
to lead them on their next adventure

"good morning" i pass
"ooh' good morning!" they return one by one
they call out "where are you going?
let us follow you & see how far you travel!"
i wave, laugh and continue my journey

you must be careful with these coyotes
never rude, never too friendly
just help them find what they don't know they need

many think they should be killed
run down by swift automobiles
tawny gray blood smear on asphalt,
shot between jaundice yellow eyes
dried, rolled pine pitch lumps vacant

but they are messengers
sent by those that understand universe curls
those that repeat and trace patterns
subatomic particles to solar system and beyond

they are those foretold of in emails
sent to be examples
to teach the value of family and home
face covered by mud, hair filled with nits
thank you, holy ones, message received

Visit zoEy at http://saaniidotcom.blogspot.com/