Hidden Message!

Into the caves the children went, the elders close behind;

the parents knew the elders would die defending them.

The Elders of the town met; they knew that trouble stalked,

someplace safe we must take the future of our kind.

All around the other towns were quickly being decimated.

Those out alone had no chance; they were being robbed and murdered.

They made a plan to execute beneath midnight's cover.

With only stars to guide, the Elders led them all to the Sacred places.

Prayers said in a Sacred way were answered, a message given:

take the children to the caves of the Little People.

Here they met, each arriving in small groups for safety.

Supplies were brought to see them through, and the hunters would visit.

In this way the future was saved, and an Eastern Nation born.

So goes the story told many times by my beloved grandmother.

To this day, a picture shines, painted by my young ancestor.

She put there a snake, the symbol of her name, going East to the sunrise.

A people proud and strong, wise and resourceful,

they listened to and trusted Creator and the spirits of their own ancestors.

Here in this place there is magic, a power as strong as life.

A promise was given:

so long as there is a Turtle Island there will be Tsalagi on her!

The Web Projects of Sondra Ball and Mario Cavallini