Uŋktomi and the Loon (version 1)

[Opening Invocation] Heya hey ya... Heya hey ya... Gather close beside the fire, Hear the old ones speak. Listen to the ancient tale, The wisdom all should keep. [Wooden Flute] [Verse 1] Summer warmed the prairie wide, The cattails swayed with grace. Uŋktomi came to the shining lake With hunger on his face. He smiled sweet as morning light, His words were soft and kind. But behind those gentle promises He hid a darker mind. [Wooden Flute] [Chorus] Heya hey ya... circle round... Heya hey ya... don't look down... Listen with your heart and soul, Truth will make the spirit whole. Hear the loon upon the lake, Calling for his brothers' sake. His crimson eyes remember still— The courage stronger than deceit. [Wooden Flute] [Verse 2] "Close your eyes," Uŋktomi said, "Keep them shut, don't peek. Misfortune comes to anyone Whose eyes the truth would seek." Around they swam, so full of trust, One time... two... then three. Hidden in the branches high, He watched them patiently. Each bird that passed beneath his perch Was taken without a sound. The ripples closed behind them all, Till only a few were found. [Wooden Flute] [Verse 3] The loon heard silence growing deep, Where joyful songs had been. He opened wide his watchful eyes To see the hidden sin. "Fly away!" the loon cried out. "Don't trust his lying tongue!" The frightened birds rose to the sky, While their brave alarm was sung. Uŋktomi laughed, "You looked at me. Now wear your mark forever." The loon's bright eyes turned burning red— A sign forgotten never. [Wooden Flute] [Final Chorus] Heya hey ya... hear him call... Heya hey ya... warning all... Walk the good road, strong and true, Let your heart know what to do. Hear the loon when evening falls; His voice still echoes through us all. His crimson eyes still brightly shine, Guarding wisdom through all time. [Wooden Flute] [Final Verse] Uŋktomi still walks this world, Though few will know his name. He hides inside a tempting lie, A promise made for gain. He whispers, "Close your eyes, my friend, There's nothing here to fear." But the loon still calls across the lakes— "Wake up... the truth is here." So when the stars fill up the sky, And the fire is burning low, Remember well the loon's red eyes, And the lesson they still show. Keep your eyes and spirit clear, Walk the good red road each day. For Uŋktomi still wanders... But wisdom lights the way. Heya hey ya... Heya hey ya... The loon still sings... So we remember.