Birdman Teaches No

Dreamed 1985/7/11 by "Miriel" as told to Wayan

My brother and I wade through wild rye behind our home, out to the canyon rim. Here that bird-man, tall, spiky, gray, steel-claw-handed, trains us to say "NO" loud and firm. He warns "I'll pierce your throat unless you learn. Shout or be muted. Bird, sing!" At last we howl as passionate as bird. Nay-saying, we leap head-high! I did not resent his threat. A needed prod. But now that we flutterhop, I get mad-- For our tutor keeps one talon-hand on my heel to grip and guide a tad. Unneeded! I'm a fledgling ready to go Higher. Alone. So I sing out: "NO!"