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Show f Chua could &e the snakes in the kisi. The snake house held different kinds, hissing and slithering over each other in a tangled web, like that of a giant spider. There was a slight shake of rattles made from gourds and animal hooves. The line of men and boys circled the plaza with each one stopping in front of the kisi to stomp on the sounding board. Each stamp sounded like thunder. The villagers looked to the sky to see if thunderclouds were forming. The Snake Dance would bring rain. "The sky is still clear," whispered Apa. The Snake Chief stooped in front of the kisi and picked up a snake and put it in his mouth. He held it in his teeth just behind the head. His left hand held the upper part of the snake at his chest and the right hand dropped near his waist holding the lower portion of the snake. A guide led the chief around the circle stroking the snake with jfcfle two buzzard feathers. Chua looked down at his own two buzzard feathers, hanging from his waist. That could have been me stroking the snake, he thought. He felt the heat of the sun-warmed rock that separated him from the dance. His hands tightened on a jagged stone edge. It cut into his skin, causing pain. He didn't care. The pain felt good. It released some of J the hurt from inside. Cheauka and Hanai danced with the men. Chua gripped the rock harder. Soon each man held a snake in his mouth and danced, praying for rain. The rhythm of the beat filled nis soul with loneliness. When the dance was over the men released the snakes into the center of the circle where the snake gatherer stood. He was chosen because of his pure heart. He would bless the snakes and give them back to the desert. |