Prayer Animals

Prayer Animals

Do not try and convince me the United States is anything
other than Savannah.
Weeds burst through the sidewalk.
Drought washes the car window, then wipes its face
with the same dirty handkerchief.
Secret meetings.
The newspaper explains about the food chain.

I am the gazelle in braids and powwow jeans.
Sometimes before sunset, I scan the horizon,
then bend my head to the stream.
The water is cold and clear.
I have 355 degree vision.
My only question: Will the hunter use the rifle
or his teeth?

Sherman Alexie...............from The Summer of Black Widows