ABSTRACT
Set Up the Drum (For the Wanblee Teca Singers) Set up the drum my brothers' chairs are at my side thinkin' of their favorite song … Announcer says, “Boys, are you there?” We hit the drum, replying, “Yes, ready to go.” We sing for our people. We try our best, and not only Native American but all the rest. Some people smile, some laugh, but only to hear three brothers' voices as one and the thundering beat of the drum, shall one not be afraid, for it's only us. Screaming voices high as an eagle in the sky whom we are named after, proudly carry it on. A very sacred gift from an elder. They tell us we are the next generation so from here on to our time, the Lakota tradition was put into our hands to carry the good time on. —R.J. Fisherman (2000) 1
