They dance around the circle, moving to the rhythm of the earth, letting their bodies create the energy... In the midst of the fire, he stands, alone and afraid, not knowing where he is going... They howl to the sky as their brothers do the same, and the moon appears full and bright... The anguish is felt by them all, for they have lost kin, one of their own, a brother of their life... He now lies in the embrace of the Great Mother, who shall comfort him until his time comes again... His soul is wounded, but while he stays on the earth, his mission now is to protect those who are in pain the most... In the dawn of the day, he fades from the fire, and his prescence is felt by the one who grieves the most... This one does not know it, but he shall be protected until the day he dies, and he shall never understand why... A shiver runs up the spine, and yet there is a curious comfort in it, and he smiles for he knows he is safe... The spirit smiles back, and only wishes he could let his friend know the truth... So he sighs, and watches, and waits... ***July 18th, 2002*** ***Dedicated to Jason Osceola***