Firedancers

"What is it, Noko?" Grandmother does not answer. Somehow, I feel that we are being watched and she knows what is there. "I will go and see what it might be." And then I add, "I'll be careful." Although I try to sound brave, I don't want to go into the dark corner where the fire does not glow. I remind myself that I have been in the woods many times and was never afraid before. I walk toward the huge white pine that hides what could be there. Again, I feel a wind tapping my back. I look behind me. There is nothing. As night sets in and the fire crackles, a young native girl is amazed when her grandmother invokes the spirits of their ancestors. She learn the mystical firedance and creates a bond with her people and their heritage that will last a lifetime.