Destiny's Bite

Almost two years now
Since my stare down
With the great horned beast
And although
I didn’t understand the magic
Penetrating my pupils
At that moment
I have come to accept
This lycanthropic transformation

I now create mountain lions
Out of steam
River otters out of driftwood
Wolves out of smoke
And dreams

I float amongst bald eagles
Dance with leggy cranes
Slip into the slumber
Of winter
Along with sister bear
And one day
I will explode crimson
To join the kokanee
For a final return
To my homeland

No longer a reflection
In any mirror
Of man’s making
I am now
A medicine man
The trickster figure
Of forgotten mythologies

I am the shaman
With a gift of being
Unable to see
Through that set of dead eyes