Plodding, footslogging, the weight of the pack on her back weighing her down.
On past prayer flags flapping and pilgrims trekking, to reach the festival place by the tenth day of this the tenth moon.
There to watch her son in his long black chuba, its red lining flashing, his armour gleaming, weapons clashing, his felt-boots dancing upon the demon’s back in the Dramyin Cham
67 words
Written for What Pegman Saw: Bhutan
The Dramyin Cham is a ritual dance performed at festivals in which the defeat of a demon by the C12th saint Tsangpa Gyare is re-enacted.
Love your take on the prompt. I can just envision the dance.
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I’ve seen it on a documentary. I’d love to see it in reality.
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This was a wonderful piece, Crispina. I want more 😉
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I thank you, Dale. I thought it just the right length 🙂
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It was. But that doesn’t mean I can’t want more!!
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Big smiles
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It is a beautiful story about local traditions… You understand the place as if you are a local! It’s brilliant! 🙂
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The tradition comes from Tibet along with Buddhism. But the Bhutanese have taken it an given it their own stamp.
Also, I’ve seen the dance performed, and I can’t help but liken it to the traditional English Morris Dance.
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Another poetic piece! Perfect in it’s simplicity. Expressing all of the emotions intended. Poignant. Thank you. 🌼🙂
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It was an interesting piece to write. I could see the dance, hear it, I wanted to convey it. But I felt it better to do it from the mother’s proud anticpation than from close up, at the performance.
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Excellent take! It made it more important. Lovely 🙂
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Thanks, Jen 🙂
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My pleasure 🙂
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Love the historical and cultural references here.
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That’s what I’m about. Mostly.
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I saw your story in the photo. Good one.
On a related note, my daughter just got back from a trek. I have a photo of her with the flag of Nepal on Annapurna.
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I thank you.
And your lucky daughter. Trust she enjoyed the experience.
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This lovely little piece left me with goosebumps. Exquisite!
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I thank you, Karen. As soon as I saw the destination I knew it had to be the dance. Though I did have to research the details.
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There’s music alive in these words, Crispina, that makes me want to dance – which is NOT a pretty sight! Loved the brevity here, too. Why use 150 words when 67 will do.
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I thank you. I tend to verbosity, and thus value brevity. Not always achieved. 🙂
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You use the image of the dance to great effect Crispina, and I was there on the journey, slogging to get there.
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Great to have your company. It was quite a climb, wasn’t it. But so invigorating.
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