Wichita has surely bewitched us. Hero, Max and I make a pilgrimage to the Keeper of the Plains every night. Is the Great Spirit calling us?
The 44-foot tall Keeper of the Plains steel sculpture stands at the confluence of the Big and Little Arkansas Rivers, with hands raised in prayer to the Great Spirit. It’s quite a work of art — one that I can’t seem to get out of my mind. Note the location of the Penthouse in the distance…
There are two bow-and-arrow inspired suspended pedestrian foot bridges that lead people north and south to the plaza base, where the Keeper waits.
Every evening, I bring the kiddos to see the Ring of Fire, where five fire drums are lit promptly at 9 pm and illuminate the plaza for 15 minutes. I love the spirituality of these 15 minutes. The intense heat of the flames, the dark of the night sky, the Keeper’s hands raised up in supplication — I can just be for a moment. Even with kids underfoot. I suppose this is what church must feel like?
We can cozy up close, right under the Keeper, to feel the heat on our cheeks. It really is hot.
Hero stands transfixed at times…
We’re not alone, as many people — including lots of kids — arrive before the lighting. Wichita may be a small city, but you can feel the presence of Native American spirit everywhere. That is so, so special.
If you can’t see the video above, click here.
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So awesome! Great find in Wichita. I will let some family and friends know who live around that area (Oklahoma, really) about how much you guys enjoyed the Ring of Fire!
I have cousins in Wichita. They’ve never talked about this. Oh well!
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