Christine Reding
September is designated as the Native American’s Corn Moon
Gathering crookneck squash, pumpkins, nuts and acorn
Black Kettle Tribe gathering strawberries generously strewn
Grounding of the crusty leaves leaving the earth unadorned
Moccasins softly touching the moistened packed dirt
The Iroquois hunting the elusive herd of camouflaged deer
Armed with a bow and arrow tipped with a bird point stone
Stealthily edging the piercing hide, the tribesmen persevere
Weaving through treed environments, until the meat is shown
The Wampanoag Tribe constructed their village near the river’s stance
Specifically to catch the thickened population of fresh flowing salmon
Utilizing baskets, nets, and fish line cords fabricated from fibers of plants
Fish grasped by hands for a food source and trade was traditionally common
The luminosity of the September Moon causes it to be brighter than ever
Perfect for harvesting their full grown crops for their year’s bounty
Stashing away for winter’s feed, a tedious and constant endeavor
The Assiniboine Tribe described the month as being the Yellow Leaf Moon
Resplendent with brightly golden colors, dropping abundantly to the ground
A time to replenish human cleansing of the blemished spiritual soul
Rituals invite forgiveness and healing of past transgressions which abound