C: Shadow Dancers

Shadow Dancers
by
Dr. Leyrose

Instead of walking the path to his Grandfathers house, Joe half ran
and half trotted the whole way. Today he was eager to share something
with his Grandfather. More than that, Joe needed his Grandfather to
help him. When he jumped up on the porch and reached to open the door,
he paused just for a moment to catch his breath and gather his
thoughts. All the way over he tried to plan what he would say. But now
that he was here, with his heart pounding and mind racing, he started
having second thoughts. As he stepped through the door he has his
Grandfather sitting in his favorite chair looking straight at him. It
was like he knew whay Joe had come. "Good morning Grandfather, how are
you this morning?", he announced as he walked over to sit on the sofa.
His Grandfather, carefully watching as he sat, replied, "pretty good
considering I didn't sleep well last night. But Grandson, how are you
doing this morning?" It was uncanny how his Grandfather seemed to know
these things. It was kinda like when the phone rang and his mother
would announce who it was before she answered. But there was more to it
than that. Joe's Grandfather was well respected among the people and
his wisdom was sought by almost everyone. The only reason Joe was
having second thoughts at all was his parents' view of the lifestyle
his Grandfather lived. Although they never really stopped Joe from
learning about the mysteries his Grandfather seemed to understand, they
definitely did nothing to encourage him. Actually, that was one subject
that was avoided in his home.
As Joe satsquirming like he'd sat down in an ant hill, his Grandfather
masterfully surveyed the scene. He realized Joe had something on his
mind, something serious, otherwise he would have probably found the
antics humorous. Knowing Joe as he did, he also realized he would have
to prod the young man into revealing the secret that was burning inside
him. Joe's Grandfather had an idea of what Joe wanted to tell him, and
if he was right, it was something he had waited for for many years. So
with a peace offering of Joe's favorite snack and a short little story
of his own, he opened the door for his Grandson to begin.
While smacking on his treat, and fully realizing the ploy his
Grandfather was attempting, Joe leaned forward and smiled. Then, with a
twinkle in his eye, he began to tell his Grandfather about his dream.
Attempting to mirror his Grandfather's style of spinning yarns he
opened with, "I was walking in a deep dark forrest. I could hear the
sounds of many creatures as I slowly moved forward. I didn't know where
I was going, but somehow I knew I had to be careful. Inside I could
feel the fear churning and twisting. It was so real. I could feel my
heart pounding, I was sweating. And, I was trying to see everything at
the same time. "Joe paused here, proud of his descriptive skills, and
looked to his Grandfather for approval, for recognition of those
skills. Joe wanted to just jump in to the dream, i just blurt it out,
but he desired something else more. he wanted to be like his
Grandfather. he wanted people to look to him as they did that wise old
man. then, with the urging and encouragement he had desired, Joe
continued. "I stopped, still as the mountain, and there in front of me
was a very tall tree. It was so big six men could have reached around
it. It was so tall I could not see the top. As I stood looking at this
giant tree, up, way up, I saw through the eyes of the owl. As I looked
down on the floor of the dark forrest I saw a mouse. The mouse was
moving along among the small trees, limbs, and things that covered the
ground. Closer and closer I looked at this mouse, but I didn't swoop
down. I felt hunger, hunger like I never felt before. But I still just
sat there watching the mouse. Then I blinked, a kinda long blink, and
when my eyes focused again I didn't see the mouse any more. Instead, as
my sharp eyes fixed on the moving animal again, it was a lynx. it was
not hunting, but it was looking fore something. Slowing it looked
around the forrest, and then, like it suddenly found what it was
looking fore, it skipped over a fallen log. While it was jumping it
looked back, just for a second. When it did I saw something in ti's
moutn. I looked very close. And there, clutched in theose powerful
teeth was a dove, a white dove. Then it was gone. it just
disappearedbehind the log into the darkness. What does it meany
Grandfather?
Joe's Grandfather was listening to every word. Carefully he stored the
words and images in his mind. he didn't want to miss even the samlles
part. So, with a calm but insisting tone, he stirred the fire in the
old wood heater, as he instructed, "Grandson the images we see in our
dreams do have meaning. But we must look at the whole dream, at every
part, every image, and see how it all fits together. Many times what we
firest believe to be true turns out to be only partially ture, or even
completely wrong. So, just take your time, tell me the whole dream,
every detail you can remember, and we will discover the meany once
you've finished. So just try, try very hard, and tell me the rest. "Joe
understood what his Grandfather was explaining to him. Many times he
had listened as his Grandfather told him stories of things from long
ago. Often Joe would think ahead, trying to predict the outcome of the
story, only to find he was way off base. he had learned to wait and
listen. Every tale was different, but all of them held a truth, a moral
of sorts, that taught things his Grandfather wanted him to understand.
So, fighting his own curiosity and impatience, Joe continued to
describe his dream.
"Even during my dream I remember wonder what was happening. I remember
thinking that something very strange, scary, and pwoerful was
happening. Then, after another blink, I saw an old man. he was standing
close by a big fire and looking down into it. The light from the fire
reflected off his face like the sun off the lake. His hare was snow
white. He didn't look like us, he didn't dress like us, he wasn't from
among us. I walked closer trying to see more clearly. I wasn't afraid.
Actually I wanted to talk to him. Then, as I stood closer, I watched
the flames of the fire. The fire, a huge roaring fire, sent flames
dancing high into the air. Then I looked around at the forrest lit up
by the fire. The flickering of the fire changed what I could see.
Sometimes I could see this tree, or that bush clearly. The light from
the fire just randomly lit the forrest around me. Every time the fire
would light up an area, and just before it got dark again, I thought I
could see things moving. They could have been people, or animals, or
maybe just shadows. It was hard to tell. The light from the fire only
lasted in one place for a second or two. There wasn't really enough
time for me to see what it was that was moving. The man standing by the
fire didn't seem to notice or care about whatever it was moving in the
forrest. He just looked up at me. And with a smile, a smile that warmed
me inside, he broke the silence surrounding the crackling of the
fire.
Joe stopped talking and peered at his Grandfather. As Joe described
this scene to his Grandfather he noticed a tremendous change come over
him. His Grandfather, still memorizing every detail, suddenly grew
pale. He looked like a cold draft had just hit him, and a very curious
look filled his face. He cleared his throat several times, then rose to
his feet, walked over and sat beside Joe. Then, placing his hand on
Joe's shoulder briefly, he said, "Grandson, take care now as you tell
me the rest. Do not add anything or leave anything out. Tell me what
you saw, what you heard, and what you felt. But don't, don't add
anything. Try very hard and tell me the rest now".
Both of them sat now terribly excited, but for many different reasons.
Joe's excitement grew from the interest he stirred in his Grandfather
and his memory of the dream. Before, it was just a dream, but now as he
shared it with his Grandfather, it seemed to come to life. He even
began to excite himself as he relived the dream in his mind. His
Grandfather's excitement stemmed from a long deep seated hope. He had
been waiting and hoping for a day like this, a day when his Grandson
shared something important with him. It also paralleled a dream he'd
had, but with some important differences. He too, last night, had
dreamed of the forrest, the tree, owl, lynx, and the fire. But in his
dream he was the tree and there was no old man in the dream. As his
Grandfather instructed, Joe slowly and carefully started telling the
end of the dream.
" LIke I said, the man smiled at me and began to talk. His voice was
deep, powerful, but gentle. All I wanted to do was listen to his voice.
Nothing else, not the darkness, not the things in the woods, nothing
seemed important. But all I can remember from the things he told me is
just one thing. I'm sorry Grandfather, I've tried very hard to
remember, but I just can't. Anyway, he just looked at me and said
'Although the path you should follow may not be clear, you must trust
that you will find your way. Listen to those that can help you and
don't be afraid to follow the voice in your heart.' Then, after another
blink, I was standing by the fire. When I looked around I could see
every animal, every tree. I could see like it was day. That's it,
that's all I remember." With his last words, Joe slipped back on the
sofa and turned to listen to his Grandfather. Now, more excited than
ever, he waited to hear the grand explanation. But to his
disappointment, his Grandfather took a long solemn pause. Then, patting
Joe on the knee, he told him something that made his whole body ache.
With a distant look in his eyes, he said, "Grandson, I must meet with
the council tonight. In a few days I will tell you the meaning of your
dream. But you have to promise not to speak a word of this to anyone. I
know it will be hard, but you must not tell anyone else. I will tell
you everything in a few days. So, my Grandson, you must be patient a
little longer."
That evening, standing before the elders, Joe's grandfather was well
aware of the rift, of the division within the nation, that threatened
to rend the fabric that held his people together. It wasn't the first
time families rose against their neighbor, even against their own
family, pitting father against son and brother against brother. Many
times throughout the history of the people, dissention had threatened
their very existence. The memories, the stories ingrained during his
childhood, were fresh in his mind. He realized he must possess the
stealth of the lion, the strength of the bear, and the suttle movement
of the wind. He had to choose his words carefully and be very conscious
of his actions as he presented his views to the people. Many great
leaders had failed to make their position clear or adequately describe
their thoughts. Those small errors in judgement, tiny deviations in
their voice, or even the way they held their eyes, sometimes betrayed
them. Among the people, especially the elders, he knew every minute
action, and every word he spoke, would be scrutinized. But he was
prepared and began to share his views with the elders.
In some ways it was like standing on the fifty yard line at halftime
with the home team on the right and the visitors on the left. And, with
coaches from the arch rival teams standing around, asking everyone to
support selection of just one player for the all-star game.
Meticulously, he detailed the dreams to the elders and the people
assembled. Then, with accumulated wisdom of many years, of many
experiences, he gave them his view of what the dreams meant. He knew
that some would turn a deaf ear, not caring to hear anything that might
threaten what they believed. Others, he knew, undecided, would listen
intently, but wouldn't blindly accept what he was trying to say.
Equally challenging were those of the people that shared many of his
own sentiments, but still had some feelings deeply rooted in the past.
When Joe's Grandfather drew his final analogy of the last aprt of the
dream, a low murmur swept the assemblage. After a brief period, one of
the elders slowly raised his hand. Just like on cue, the huge room grew
silent. The spokesman made it very brief as he casually said, "You are
a great voice among the people. It has long been a trusted voice, and
your words were very strong. But we will hear the words of the boy
also. We will hear him tell of the Shadow Dancers."
That very evening, after summoning his Grandson, they sat down
together and began eating a very ancient traditional meal. As they ate,
Joe's Grandfather started to tell Joe about the dream as he had
promised. " Grandson, in your dream you saw many things that the people
understand. The great tree you saw is the tree of knowledge and wisdom.
A man who dreams of this is destined to possess great knowledge and
wisdom. The owl is the people, who together examine and search the
mysteries thar are presented to the people. It is the people who were
watching as the mouse became the lynx. The mouse, Grandson, is you. The
people are watching as you make your way across life, which was the
floor of the forrest in your dream. The lynx is the man that you may
become. The lynx is know to be strong and a master of being able to
move in the darkness. The lynx, bearing in it's teeth the dove (a
symbol of peace) lept over a fallen tree. That means the man will be
armed with the weapon of peace, and leaping the fallen tree (the tree
that represents old knowledge, past knowledge and belief) bravely walks
into the dark forrest. The darkness is the unknown story of the people
and how they wait and wonder what the next day may bring for them. And
the fire, the fire you saw is the light of truth. As you stood before
it, and it lit up part of the forrest, you were seeing truth begin to
spread among the people. Just as the light of the fire allowed you to
see trees and other things in the forrest. The trees, the forrest, also
are the people. Then, as light showed all parts of the forrest before
you, truth shall spead among the people."
Although Joe listened very carefully to his Grandfather, he didn't
understand the message. It was all wonderful and joe really loved how
beautiful his Grandfather mad the dream sound. More than just a
fanciful tale, much different than the entertaining stories of legend,
this was a foreshadowing of Joe and what the people would believe about
him. As Joe considered the elements of the story that recounted the
images of his dream, he realized something was missing. Reviewing the
dream in his mind he remembered. Then, with mixed feelings, he asked
his Grandfather about the missing parts. "Grandfather, what about the
old man I saw in my dream. And the other things I saw. You didn't say
anything about them. Does it matter?"
There was more that joe's Grandfather neglected to mention. It wasn't
that the information was a big secret Joe couldn't hear. rather, it was
something better left for the elders. For it was these accounts in
Joe's dream that the elders wanted to talk to Joe about. Specifically
they wanted to hear about the old man and the Shadow Dancers. Much of
Joe's dream was common to many among the people, it contained elements
frequently seen or described by others. But part of his dream had deep,
deep meaning. The elements could prove to separate the curds from the
whey, or as some said, the sheep from the goats.
As Joe and his Grandfather sat in front of the makeshift hearth
watching the fire, Joe's Grandfather listened as the wind whispered
gently outside. The flames danced and fanned slightly taller as the
whisps of air began to churn the hot embers. Like a deer listening to
the slow approach of a lion, Joe's Grandfather began to focus his
attention on the suttle changes outside. Continuing to talk with Joe,
he added a few logs to the fire. A creak in a rafter, a gentle groan in
a sill, and the rustling of leaves outside acted as early warning
signals for Joe's Grandfather. His Grandfather realized it was too late
to send Joe home, they would have to ride the storm out together.
Within minutes rain began to paint the windows. Then sheer waves of
water began to beat the walls and batter the old metal roof. The wind
intensified and then came the sound like popcorn popping as hail began
to pound the tin above their heads. Whipped by the wind, the roof
crackled and clanged. The low rumble and flashes of light began to
bring natures concert to a cresendo. Closer the lightening came causing
the ground to quiver and the walls to shudder. A heavy boom and bright
flash was followed by the door bursting open. A young man rushed into
the room. Caught in the storm on his way to Grandfather's, he bore a
message from the elders. As the raging tempest unleashed it's fury,
Joe's Grandfather herded the visitor close by the fire. After a serving
of hot tea and the opportunity to dry his clothes, the young man began
passing along the message from the elders. From a face of stone the
words began to emerge. " The elders will speak to you tomorrow in the
Sacred Place. But only you Joseph will enter. You alone must stand
before the elders. They will hear your words and test your heart for
truth." That was what Joe's Grandfather had expected. He knew this was
serious, and the Sacred Place was where matters such as this were
brought before the people. Although Joe didn't really understand the
impact of everything that was happening, he knew when his Grandfather
was serious and when something seemed important. He trusted his
Grandfather's opinion and always listened to what he was told. As the
three sat talking and listening to the power revealed this night, Joe
and his grandfather began to feel a sense of dread. But Joe was willing
to do whatever his Grandfather instructed. He had started this thing,
and he was going to be brave enough to finish it. Although the evening
brough calm and confidence to Joe as it progressed, the tempest
continued into the night, rentlessly attacking the small two room
house.
The next morning while Grandfather prepared breakfast, Joe stared out
the window at the devastation the storm left behind. The wind, still
tormenting the outdoors, was all that remaind of the terrible storm.
Joe could see many things bounding across the yard, chased by the
bitter north wind. As chaotic as it appeared, strangely Joe saw beauty
and felt respect for the power the wind was demonstrating. For
something that could not be seen, the magnificent wind flexed it
muscles and for now was ruling the surrounding plane. Later Joe and his
Grandfather felt the strength of the gale as they trudged toward the
Sacred Place. Silently that walked, the time for talking was over. It
was now time for action. As they drew near to the Sacred Place, Joe's
Grandfather gripped his arm. Pulling him close by, his Grandfather gave
him one last piece of advice. Looking deep into his Grandson's eyes he
said, "Just as you stood within the great wind last night without fear,
you must also be strong before the council. From among the people you
must now stand before them as the mouse before the great owl."
With his Grandfather waiting outside, Joe pulled back the last cover
and walked into the Sacred Place. After his eyes adjusted to the dim
light inside he noticed his parents seated ahead. As he approached they
lowered their heads slightly and looked away. Inside, Joe wondered what
he had done to shame his parents. Joe continued to walk past his
parents and began to draw close to the elders. Undaunted by their
ominous presence, Joe stopped just a few feet from them and stood tall
like the mighty oak. As the encroaching silence began to stir Joe's
imagination, one of the elders addressed him with a chilling stare and
equally frigid words. "We have heard the wrods of your Grandfather,
Father, and Mother. Now we will hear your words. We will decide if your
words are truth or just the fear of a child sleeping alone. So tell us
now, young Joseph, of your dream and the Shadow Dancers."
There were many accounts in the oral history of the people of dreams
that portrayed events foretelling their plight. Some were of great
battles, some of famines, and others that separated men as leaders of
the people. It was very rare for men, of any age, to face the Shadow
Dancers. Only very rare accounts were known among the people, but none
existed so far as strong and detailed as the one Joe had seen in his
dream. It was truly a noteworthy event for the people. That is if it
was an accurate account and not a product of Joe's imagination. In
either case, once and for all, Joe was going to learn the secrt of the
Shadow Dancers and the mystery they held among the people.
With maturity beyond his years, and following the instructions of his
Grandfather, Joe looked straight at the elders as he once again
described his dream. As he spoke, he looked into the face, right into
the eyes, of each of the elders. He gave not a single hint of fear
during his monologue. Joe had never been afraid to tell the truth and
always respected the elders among the people. Joe realized, at even his
young age, how important truth was among the people. For countless
generations, the people had founded their whole lifestyle around this
axiom. It was a very serious matter for someone to say or do something
that stirred doubts among the people. So, at the conclusion to his
address to the elders, Joe looked into the chief elders countenance and
said, " I don't know what Shadow Dancers are or what they mean. If that
is what they are called, then that is what I saw."
When Joe had finished, the elders briefly discussed the situation and
with nods of concent, the chief elder began to explain things to Joe.
Young Joseph, you have bravely spoken many powerful words. We have
found truth in your words and strength that is found in a great leader.
We believe your destiny, as revealed through the vision of you and your
Grandfather, is to walk among the people as a great leader." Then with
an outstretched arm, he invited Joe to sit close by. Joe, still not
aware of the meaning of the elders words, drew closer and sat down
before the elders. Like the ancient Greek orators, the elder started
telling Joe the secret of the Shadow Dancers.
"The Shadow Dancers are many things to the people. To some they are
creatures that live in the darkness of the forrest waiting for a chance
to ponce on the unprepared, the lost, the isolated. Others believe they
are the shadows of braves who died in battle. And that they live within
the darkness coming only close enough, in the edge of firelight, to
warn or guard warriors against terrible events. Still, there are also
those who say that they are neither animal, human, or spirit. It is
said they reside only in the eye of he who sees them. Like the image in
the stream, it remains as long as the water is not disturbed, but
vanishes with the slightest change in the surface of the water. Or,
like the shadow of the mountain that moves as the sun walks across the
sky, but leaves as the sun rests beyond the lake. But, the Shadow
Dancers are like none of these, and yet like all of these at the same
time. Grandson Joseph, Shadow Dancers are the many faces, the many
shapes, the many ways that fear lives among the people. It is fear that
drives people to hate, that causes the people to fight within
themselves and with others. Fear is the cause for much pain and misery,
and stands behind (and even lives within) all who do not know truth. It
stands in the way of those who would have peace for the people. Young
Joseph, you stood among the Shadow Dancers and walked among them. You
also saw light chase them away. It is you, you that has seen this path
of the people."
Still unanswered for Joe was the presence of the "old man of another
people" in his dream. Even among the people, among the elders, it was a
mystery. But true to their words, Joseph did indeed grow to lead his
people. With the weapon of peace he forged a new strength and unity for
them and brought them into a new age. He delivered his people from
desolation, despair, and hopelessness and gave them hope and promise.
Chief Joseph made sure his people would have a continuing legacy.