I was taught-
go to water,
running water.
Wash.
Build a small fire.
Sing a prayer.
Wash.
Offer tobacco.
Sing a prayer.
Clean up the fire.
Offer cornmeal in thanks.
Walk away.
Leave illness
or problem
behind you.
Linda Rodriguez has published novels, Every Last Secret and Every Broken Trust, and books of poetry, Skin Hunger and Heart's Migration. She is a member of Latino Writers Collective, the Macondo Community, Wordcraft Circle of Native American Writers and Storytellers, and Kansas City Cherokee Community. She blogs about writers, writing, and everyday life at http://lindarodriguezwrites.blogspot.com.
