[Opening Invocation] Heya hey ya... Heya hey ya... Gather close beside the fire, Hear the old ones speak. Listen to the ancient tale, Of Uŋktomi... and the loon. [Verse 1] When summer warmed the prairie grass, And dragonflies danced in the breeze, Uŋktomi walked beside the lake, With hunger beneath the trees. He wore a smile as thin as smoke, His eyes were full of guile, "I've come to teach a little game— Come play with me awhile." [Chorus] Oh, circle round the shining lake, Trust not every smiling face. The clever tongue may hide a snare, Where shadows leave no trace. Hear the loon cry loud and clear, Across the waters wide— Some lessons come with sacrifice, So wisdom may survive. [Verse 2] The ducks all shook their feathered heads, The grebes refused at first, But Uŋktomi kept asking them Until they gave their trust. "Close your eyes," the trickster said, "Don't look no matter what. For evil comes to those who peek; Keep swimming, keep them shut." [Verse 3] Around the lake they slowly swam, One circle, then two, then three. Above them sat Uŋktomi, Hidden in an old pine tree. Whenever one passed underneath, He reached with silent grace, And one by one the birds were gone, Without a single trace. [Chorus] Oh, circle round the shining lake, Trust not every smiling face. The clever tongue may hide a snare, Where shadows leave no trace. Hear the loon cry loud and clear, Across the waters wide— Some lessons come with sacrifice, So wisdom may survive. [Verse 4] The loon grew still with troubled heart, "The sounds are not the breeze." He opened up his watchful eyes To see beneath the trees. There sat Uŋktomi, laughing low, Devouring every friend. The loon cried out, "Fly! Save yourselves!" Before they met their end. [Bridge] The waters burst with beating wings, The frightened birds took flight. Uŋktomi laughed, "You looked at me— Now pay the trickster's price." The loon's bright eyes were changed that day, To crimson, bold and bright; A mark of courage evermore, A warning born of light. [Final Chorus] Oh, hear the loon on evening lakes, When stars begin to rise. Remember those who gave a cry, Though danger filled their eyes. The trickster's road is smooth and fair, But truth can cut it through. The loon still sings across the waves, To watch what's said... and who. [Outro] So when the summer breezes blow, And loons call through the night, Remember courage saved the rest— Though one paid with his sight. His crimson eyes still tell the tale, For every child to hear: Beware the smile of Uŋktomi, And treasure those sincere.
