Shooting Star & the Circle of Life
by
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Walks Far wasn't very used to handling a baby. It seemed sort of strange to him, but very familiar at the same time. He took his son over to the large elm tree and sat with him for a while. After Laughing Water was finished with her meal, she came over and sat with her family. This was really the first time since the baby's birth that they had some peaceful time together as a family. It was very nice.
Laughing Water began to wonder about the baby's name.
'Have you thought about the name?' She asked.
Walks Far didn't say anything for a few moments. He looked at her and nodded.
'Yes', he said, 'I've thought about it'.
'When will it be time?'
'Soon', is all that he replied.
The rest of the day was spent in more normal pursuits. The men gathered together to speak of the tribal problems. The women gathered with Laughing Water to give love, support, and advice, lots and lots of advice. After all of the meeting, the day was drawing to a close. As the sun began to set Walks Far found Laughing Water and told her that it was time to name the baby. She was very happy about this, because it meant that the child would have an identity, and not just 'the baby'. She asked him if he wanted to do it alone, or would he like her to accompany him. He told her that naming was a public thing to him, and she should come, and invite as many people as she wished. She handed him the baby, then she ran off to find her friends.
Walks Far looked down at his son and thought.
He decided that, true to his name, the best way to do right by the child was to take him on a walk. The sun had set, and night was gathering quickly. Walks Far started off toward where the child had been born, next to the stream. Water, especially moving water, always brought Walks Far peace. He knew he could do his best thinking there. He walked and thought.
It seemed like just a couple of seconds to Walks Far until he reached the side of the stream. He sat down with the child, then he started to meditate and pray.
'Great Spirit, show me a sign', he prayed. 'Show me how to call this child'.
Walks Far was oblivious to the members of the tribe that had followed him to the stream. They watched, in respectful silence, as the father bonded with the child, and with the universe.
A gentle wind started to blow through the trees. It seemed to be singing a song of joy and praise for the new child. Walks Far knew that the time was drawing near for a sign to name the baby. He looked up into the darkened sky for guidance. As he stared up at the star filled evening, a shooting star crossed the sky. As it passed, the baby looked up at it, pointed, and giggled softly. Walks Far knew what he had to do.
Slowly, he stood up with the child in his arms. He thought about the sight of his lovely wife giving birth to their first child. He thought about the shooting star that had crossed the sky during her labor. He turned around to look at Laughing Water. His thoughts drifted back to the pregnancy and how she had told him that this was a special, and a strong baby. He knew it was right! He turned around again to face the stream. The child was secure in his arms as he pointed to the sky and spoke these words to the child, and to the world.
'See the shooting star that brought you to us?' He looked down at the child in his arms. The baby stared back up at him and smiled. 'There, in the night sky, is your destiny. A shooting star is the bearer of truth and justice. It is a strong and powerful sign. It reminds me of you! A shooting star brought you, and Shooting Star you shall be called! I have decided. I have spoken'.
Walks Far turned around to face the rest of the tribe. They all were shouting and celebrating the new child, Shooting Star. As he slowly walked back to where all of his friends were standing, he could see Laughing Water crying. He knew that they were tears of joy. She was smiling, and she kissed him deeply when he came to her.
'It is good', is all she said.
Walks Far held Shooting Star out in front of him as they all started to return to their homes. It seemed to be only proper that Shooting Star should lead the tribe back. How true it was.
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About the Book
Shooting Star and the Circle of Life is a captivating story about an Indian boy, Shooting Star, his family and life, and the circumstances that lead him from the reservation, to assassin, and back again.
Shooting Star was born under the star-studded sky. His mother and father, both being traditionalists, raised him, and his brother, in the old way. The book tells us of his home life, and gives us an insight into his education, and his spirit. He is happy living the natural life, content with who he is, and the love that is to be, until tragedy ends his parents' life, and he, and his brother, are forced to leave the reservation to take up a new and 'better' life, in the inner city of Chicago.
The two boys, and their faithful wolf, are saddened to leave the familiar environment of their homeland, but they are intrigued by the prospects of the future. The trip across country is interesting for all, and the boys start to learn of the intolerance of other people toward them because they are 'different'.
When they reach Chicago, they are amazed by the sights, and the sounds of the city, and their curiosity is aroused by technology. They soon learn that the city can be as savage as the wilderness, and that their old skills can come in handy in their new environment.
Shooting Star finds a new girl to love, and as she teaches him the ways of a man and a woman, he starts to forget about his past life, and the girl who truly loves him. Soon, his old life fades into a distant memory as his new life in college unfolds before him. His college days are still young when he realizes that he is now working for a covert government operation, and the depth of his personal involvement. Boldly, he continues, not fully realizing that the price he might pay for a 'free' education is his life, his spirit, and the lives of his family.
With his education now behind him, Shooting Star throws himself into his work. He is fascinated by his own power, and he uses it to the advantage of his family. Life seems great to Shooting Star, until he realizes that his skills are being demanded to cover up a scandal. He wrestles with the dilemma, until finally, he chooses the way of right, and justice.
Enraged by Shooting Star's refusal to follow orders, the government casts him out into the street to be hounded and hunted by the authorities. Without the veil of protection that was afforded to him by his covert operations allegiance, he soon finds himself on the wrong side of the law.
Shooting Star becomes determined to seek justice by any means possible, and sets his mind to that task. He uses all of the resources at his disposal to avenge the wrongs done to him, and to his family. Hunted by the government now, he finally returns to his people, and realizes the true power that lies within all of us. The circle becomes complete.
About the Author
David was born in February of 1952, amid the toxic confusion of a major northern industrial city. His Aquarius nature, and a passion to learn more about his Cherokee roots, led him on an extensive quest for knowledge. He spent a great amount of time traveling, educating himself, and observing the human condition. During his travels, he became an avid supporter of human and animal rights, and an advocate of spiritual and religious tolerance. David has personally witnessed the awesome power of the native spirituality, and he has actively participated in spiritual awareness and enlightenment ceremonies.
David has done some work attempting to alleviate the problems of the homeless, and the hungry, and he has been instrumental in expediting goods, and services, to be used by the native inhabitants of this continent. He is also an award winning, published poet.
As his spirit matured, in this incarnation, he became saddened by the intolerance of people for each other's beliefs, and sacred traditions. He makes no judgements, but he offers the sincere hope that the residents of planet Earth will one day, learn to live as one with each other, and in harmony with the cosmic web of life.