This morning, we headed out late for breakfast, and then rambled the streets of Casco Viejo with the thought of stopping at the ruins beside Plaza Herrera; hubby wanted to investigate the construction of these last vestiges of a time wrapped in fiery legend, for these were the remnants of the city sacked by Captain…
Category: Indigenous Philosophy
On American Thanksgiving Day
As an Indigenous person (albeit in Canada, where we celebrate Thanksgiving in October), I hold that holiday to be an occasion of potentiality. I consider, on that day, the vision of my Indigenous ancestors, who welcomed newcomers, taught them to survive, and (contrary to the propaganda) hosted the table and laid the feast, offering of the…
In Residence
Well, I’m In-Residence now. Following in footsteps of many respected colleagues, peers and mentors, I’m the Writer-in-Residence at MacEwan University. A residency is so much more than a sponsored time and space for pursuing one’s own artistic goals, although that, in itself, makes a residency a wonderful thing. I’m being paid to obey my muse,…
I didn’t think I was that poor until I came to grad school: dentalium and dreams beyond the university
On wealth that matters, the eloquence of Erica Violet Lee.
A Constellation of Support
Today seems a good day to post this little article from 2015. A Constellation of Support It was a rare pleasure to meet the various people I interviewed for this, and I came away feeling uplifted. The thing is, nobody does anything in this world without support, whether we see and acknowledge it or not….
For the Changing Moon: thoughts on Poems&Songs
My new book is out. The publisher-endorsed launch happened Wednesday, October 24th, 7 PM at Audrey’s Books, with special guests Edmonton’s own Spoken Word Youth Choir, under the direction of the fabulous Gail Sobat. This is book number two, yes, only number two. The long years of discussion and consideration of what it costs to…
Death Tango for Three: the Podcast
Last winter, Argentinian born poet and art historian Luciana Erregue-Sacchi invited two writers – myself and the fabulous Nermeen Youssef – to join her on a quest, to encounter, perform and respond to Paul Célan’s masterpiece, the Todesfuge/Death Tango. Over the course of an incredible night, we shared our hearts and minds, resonating like bells…
Washing the World, at the Poetry Foundation!
The Poetry Foundation, in Chicago, Illinois, has published a poem of mine, Washing the World – first seen here back in 2013/14. Check out their site, there are a lot of amazing writers there. I’m thrilled to be among them now. Fabulous image of the Northern Lights is from user Hans, at pixabay.com
St. Eugene: Not a Poetry Video (yet)
Here are the gates. Beside them, an image from an older time, another purpose. Here is the gorgeous architecture. And beside it, tribute to the children brought here. Building and children face East, where the sun rises steadfast over blue mountains. Here is the message, the new mission. And here, the window of the room…
Wood With Rabbit
married at the scar, two salve trees lean against each other, how we all learn to walk, watching feet trusting heads to sky silver leaves tip up for rain and beneath them, small boy rabbit frozen in prayer, down among fireweed, wild rose and stalks of tiger lily, velvet footed indian paintbrushes is that where…
Being Here, Now, Part Two
So, I was saying I met Ram Dass? That is to say, in the library of the good people who invited me to live in their house (and made it seem I was doing them a favour by house-sitting), among the books was this dark purple one, called ‘Be Here Now.’ I’d never seen anything…
Being Here Now, Part One
Long ago, in Mexico, I lived by myself for the first time in my life. All alone, in a traditional Mexican house, which closes firmly to the street, but opens into a courtyard, which ends at a rough stone wall, shared by several neighbourhood houses. I’d lived in that town for about half a year,…
Prairiepomes 