Wonder of the Fledgling's Flight
by Jane Lang

   (The first written native American Christmas carol was penned by
   a  Jesuit missionary priest, Friar Jean de Brebeuf, around 1640-41,
    for the Huron Indians. The Hurons built a small chapel of fir trees
    and bark in honor of the manger at Bethlehem. This became the
    'stable' where Jesus was born.)

The earth, soil under her feet, meets a fragrant breeze
a secret the girl shares with everyone this day of abundance.
'Tis said a kind of need as when eagles heed a first fraught flight
bright yellow sun o'er head, it lasts, welcomes the night to come.
Quiet hush—a woman of blushing cheek gives gifts of golden grain
and a plethora of fish from the sea to honor the babe in the stable.
A miniature manger, no danger in this chapel's room hewed from
firs and bark.  A dozen, possibly more will gather on native land
in clusters chant cadence, long with zeal for continued blessings.



 

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