September/October 2006

The rooster begins to sing early

While darkness is still on the land,

Awakening people to greet the Sun. – Navajo Chicken Song

It sounds like a hymn, repetitive and incantatory, increasing in complexity. Two thousand miles away, I press the cell phone to my ear. Linda Davis (Zuni/Navajo) is singing a traditional song – over the telephone. “Harmony is our way of life,” she explains. “The sun rises every morning for the people and animals, like a promise. Sleeping through it is a waste.” (more…)