How we cite our quotes: (Poem.Paragraph)
Quote #7
Old Betonie might explain it this way—Tayo didn't know for sure: there were transitions that had to be made in order to become whole again, in order to be the people our Mother would remember; transitions, like the boy walking in bear country being called back softly. (XXI.80)
Tayo is starting to think like Betonie here. He recognizes that the healing process isn't just about him; it's about "the people."
Quote #8
He had been so intent on finding the cattle that he had forgotten all the events of the past days and past years. Hunting the cattle was good for that. Old Betonie was right. (XXIV.29)
As Tayo proceeds on his mission to find the cattle he has fewer flashbacks to the war. The narrative starts to become a bit more chronological and a bit easier to follow. If only some good old fashioned cow-hunting could give us the same kind of mental clarity…
Quote #9
He had proven something to himself; it wasn't as strong as it had once been. It was changing, unraveling like the yarn of a dark heavy blanket wrapped around a corpse, the dusty rotted strands of darkness unwinding, giving way to the air; its smothering pressure was lifting from the bones of his skull. (XXIV.47)
As Tayo changes and starts to become healed, the witchery changes too. As Tayo grows stronger, it becomes weaker.