Possibly Duenda

I am stifled in attempting to build upon
insightful dances with Duende,
while appreciating what I do not know ..

I can but sift back through memories
of those who have touched my life,
and pick out those kisses that may apply.

papa
.................................

When I was 9 or 10 or so, instead of playing ball or getting into trouble, a friend of mine, Martin, and I would sit on a wall and watch and old woman weave baskets. Twist and spin and fold and weave. She hummed and rocked but never said a thing. Her name was Dot-So-La-Lee (sp). Her baskets are in museums all over the world. My father has one of her gifts. Small -- 5" across but can hold boiling water. If you turn it slowly the pattern seems erratic and strange, but if you spin it on your finger in perfect balance the shapes form a message you can chant or sing. He has been offered $4000 for it, yet the woman lived in almost poverty. How to define such a gift.

She was Indian, of course, Washoe I think. Amazing carved lines in her face. One day she got up and staggered down the road, out into the hills and vanished. Her body has never been found. Police studies and reports, and testimony from many estimate her age at 114. I lay here and remember her flying fingers, and am blessed.

... and if she knew of Duende, it was without fear