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Chapter One
Come quickly—as soon as
these blossoms open,
they fall
This world exists
as a sheen of dew on flowers
—Izumi Shikibu
Minnesota—l840
May, Wahbegoone-geezis, The Moon of the Flowers
Spring had awakened across the land, giving rise to the lush blossoave off no scent, but filled the days with their beauty, as did the forsythia bushes dotting the countryside with their bright yelloers
Bees were busy at work, alled and ran through the forest in search of the tiny violets that brightened the forest floor with their lovely purple faces
When they finally found a huge cluster, they fell to their knees beside theently, carefully, plucked several from the earth to take back home to theirthe daily chores that all Winnebago mothers carried out each day with love and dedication
Their hands filled with purple heaven, the girls turned back in the direction of their people’s village of one hundred tepees The village had been established beside the Rush River, near enough for washing and draater, yet far enough for safety should the spring rains flood the river over its banks
Sitting in the midst of the river was an island huddled inlow over it atShadow Island scarcely visible to the girls, who looked occasionally at it, but were not at all afraid of its mystery
They kneho lived on that island
Talking Bird
Like everyone who knew him, they adored the old man
Talking Bird was the Winnebago people’s ancient Sha
But rarely did he leave the island
Those ere in need of his caring touch and kind words were taken to him by canoe
He was a man who had the skill to cure most ailments
Rarely had his Bird Clan witnessed hi that ailed their people
The girls ran onward until they cae
Each hurried to her separate hos to their s
Not far away, a huge hawk flew above the Rush River, soaring gracefully, peacefully, its bold eyes neverthe movements down below, nor the sounds that ca over
Despite its watchful, knowing eyes, the hawk could not see through the foggyinto, not until it was finally on land, standing a of s