Several years ago, while undergoing treatment for a serious illness, I was surprised one evening by a knock on my back door. It was a young Native American friend from across the alley who stopped by to give me a traditional artifact he had made – a “dreamcatcher.” It was a webbed affair, reminiscent of a badminton racket, brightly colored and made of Earth’s natural bounty of weeds and branches. My friend told me to place the dreamcatcher in my living area, where its crisscross webbing would entangle and trap “thick” bad dreams and allow only fine and delicate good dreams to pass through.
As my friend departed, he said, with a knowing smile on his face, “You’ll be OK.” And indeed, I am. What a wonderful thought and gift it was – a mystical talisman, from his Native American tradition. So, I dedicate this piece to my young friend, also named John (John of the Alley!), to celebrate his heritage. May he always live in the blessedness of his native mysticism.
premiere info
March 25, 2007
St. Anthony Park Lutheran Church
St. Paul, MN
Adam Kuenzel, flute; Nicole Christopher, harp
Metropolitan Symphony Orchestra/William Schrickel
