Poem: Tewa Snowfall Prayer

Tewa Feast Day
Ezekiel 34:11-16


Windless dawn settles white smoke
Over hillsides, spread smooth, untracked
New woven coverings, a Tewa snowfall prayer.
The People stand, wrapped in warm striped Pueblo blankets,
Quiet as wool breath, as sheep which steam
Cloud the waiting chill daybreak sky.


Row of drummers remain silent;
Line of chanters stand still, face East
Until morning light speaks color, until sun comes
As signal fire & only then begins the drum beat, begins
Sacred chant, begins an invocation welcoming
This Feast.


Grey break, sun hovers,
Anticipates some hush-found answer,
Bright response to persistent prayer beat,
Expectant bird song summons morning rhythms,
Calls all to join the People, celebrating this
Day which honors home.


One by one, crested antlers come,
Curve over twin adobe hilltops, mighty elk,
Playful antelope, valiant deer, big horned sheep, shaggy buffalo
All come to feast, dance slowly, sing down
Snowy hillsides, all come to bless
& be blessed.

Matushka Elizabeth Perdomo

23 January 2001 ~ 7 AM
Pueblo de San Ildefonso, New Mexico
Feast day of Patron San Ildefonso
Bishop & Confessor who lived in Spain from 600 – 667 AD