the final beat

We sat around the fire that was slowly dying. The drum beats were going as strong as they were when they started. Our chants filled the outside air and some danced in the chaha grass.

The hashi was peeking over the horizon and the chief elder took over the chant. I could hear three loud beats...and then nothing. The final beat was sounded which told us that our ceremony was over. I got a sense of calmness knowing that the Chahta people would be with me on my life journey. The mahli flowed through my long hair and I felt as pure as I was before. I know these story because they were told to me and it is my responsibility to pass them on and tell them to my children. This is my culture and and the stories of my people. The Chief Elder asked, "Chahta chia ho?" As a collective we shouted "A, Chahta Sia!"