Classic Poem

Song for the Metai, or for Medicine Hunting

Now I hear it, my friends, of the Metai, who are sitting about me.
Who makes this river flow? The Spirit, he makes this river flow.
Look at me well, my friends; examine me, and let us understand that we are all companions.
Who maketh to walk about, the social people? A bird maketh to walk about the social people.
I fly about, and if any where I see an animal, I can shoot him.
I shoot your heart; I hit your heart, oh animal, your heart, I hit your heart.
I make myself look like fire.
I am able to call water from above, from beneath, and from around.
I cause to look like the dead, a man I did.
I cause to look like the dead, a woman I did.
I cause to look like the dead, a child I did.
I am such, I am such, my friends; any animal, any animal, my friends, I hit him right, my friends.