Karena Finds Safety In Mattaponi Territory

by Amber "V" Moonstone

2/22/09

Karena patiently waited for Tumas to return,
She was very guarded about her thoughts,
She would wait for his report
and then she would speak her truth.

So many of her people have parished
during this long and cold winter of 1610.
She has come to expect death as a salvation
to be released to the Great Spirit into
a better world.

Her youngest child, Glowing Moon
still does not speak.
Karena has tried every herb and potion
still no words come from this child's mouth.

Tumas says to be patient,
she will speak when she is ready,
I fear that she will never utter a sound
living in silence for the rest of her life.

I ask the Great Spirit for guidance
and receive love and  peace
as the answer.
I will keep striving for peaceful solutions.

Chief Powhatan is approaching my dwelling
It brings fear to my heart,
He never comes calling,
There must be bad news of Tumas.

"Chief, What is happening?"
"My Karena, we must move our people
to the other side of the River,
We will be safe among the Mattaponi people
It is only temporary, we will return.

I urge you to gather up all the women
and children and begin to journey west toward Mattaponi Territory.
The warriors will remain here to defend our land."

"Yes, Chief Powhatan, I will obey you,
I shall do as you say, but you must promise
me that you will tell Tumas where his family
went."
"Of course my Medicine woman,
I will tell Tumas where you have gone,
Now hurry, there is no time to waste.
The white man is planning to attack".

Karena, and the women and children,
flee toward Mattaponi territory.
They are the sister tribe to the Pamunkey
Indian tribe.  They will protect them as their own people.

Karena feels certain that Tumas
will come for her and the children,
This time the white man will be stopped,
He must be stopped!

Karena, Eagle Medicine Woman
February  1610