I have a pen friend of kisiskaciwan: swift flowing water,
where sunlight and sundown are known by tractors pulling
out and in to the yard, where the southern prairie
stretches on like forever; where Qu’Appelle is a sound
that drops suddenly into fold of valley that runs down tree lines
of Big Bear’s trails. Who calls? Who calls?
Northern muskeg holds my prints and draws me in
like quicksand of Batouche that has old
Mischif voices that will sing at scrape of fiddle
or beat of drum and my feet ache to be there.
Further, the sun hides its face in gray
for four hours a day, and slips into darkness
for another eight so grandmother’s can dance their fill
in the Northern sky: A place where stone-faced giants slide into
Athabasca Lake and left their steps pushed into sharp-edged
banks where the beaver who threw up the dunes
forgot he was extinct but left his signs in Fond du Lac.
There is my heart, left on a tiny airstrip, where ravens
rattle old gas barrels and pass on stories
like bits of frozen meat to a people who warm themselves
over big pots of caribou stew and memories
of the woman who had no land to call her own.
It is me, people of la bange, Eagle Woman, who introduces you
to my sister, with a soul full of visions
about life in quilted hem province, who feels like sister to me.
Author notes
“Kisiskaciwan” meaning swift flowing water, in cree, was eventually changed to Saskatchewan
“Nechimoos” – My friend
Qu’Appelle ( “Who calls”, in French, that refers to the call of the loons) - refers to Fort Qu’Appelle and the place my last name comes from
Mischif Patois is a language that is the mix of French fur traders and Cree language.
Big Bear, a noted leader and great warrior, Big Bear, was born about 1825 near Fort Carlton in one of, the many Plains Cree hands scattered along the North Saskatchewan River.
In a list
- Gold Poetry • next in list
- Written for Pen Friends and A Pack of Poets • next in list
- Native American Voice • next in list
A contest entry
- For my Favorites Only.... by Rowan.
1800 points, ended September 13, 2007, 11 entries
Gold trophy winner
• next poem in this contest, remove from contest
Please tell me what you think
Comments
1 - 13 of 13
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a beautiful look at a beautiful province. There's much more to it than the flat wheat fields that most associate with it. A very refreshing read this morning, I thoroughly enjoyed it.
Rory
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Congrats, Sweetie. I knew Kathleen would love this...how could she not??? 
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Just WOW! I have no words left except to say this is extraordinary penning, my friend. So much beautiful imagery, and such a fine presentation of the story told. KUDOS!! Methinks I just got my poetic butt kicked!
This is absolutely wonderful, Carol. Truly a masterpiece!
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aw, ty Mad Moon, but Saskatchewan holds a grat deal of my heart....how could I not do it proud... and honor those from there.
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Now this is why you are on at the top of my morning reads, carol. You touch the prairie side of me, and remind me how beautiful it can be here..
this is fantastic work. You are blossoming my friend.
Thank you for being here, and for entering this heart-touching piece.
Love ya!~
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I wish for moose in my back pond, and loons lignering on a long cry before they go, and night dancing. I wish you love and joy in one of the most beautiful and diverse provinces there are. and ty so much for the gold..now, perhaps they may be pissy because it looked like I was kissing up to ya...NOPE was totally immersed in my love for that place.
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So, throwing in a reprimand to begin, with a pre-emptive strike - don't you ever try saying you have no eloquence.
This doesn't just sing ... it lingers in the pause between each note, with sounds too few hear, though more have been offered a chance through such blessed wonder. Hopefully, they all have a poet's ear - honed well enough to catch this whole. I think I have found my new favourite of yours and a new highpoint of you - hey, if there is anything you'd care to share that is better ... I'm down here waiting to listen!
I'm sure that if you but whispered such, the gentlest wind would carry it here.
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what an awesome comment...ty pen friend... I, too lvoe this... I have some poems being read on World Radio and I am thinking to send it to Vancouver for an entry there.
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OMG! How sweet and gorgeous and what wonderful history you have shared with us..I am part Cherokee and always wanted to learn more about my heritage...primarily Italian so thats all that has been in focus...what a wonderful song you have given as a gift here....Masterpiece....well done...best of luck!
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My last name belongs to this Mischif culture.... cour de bois etal...
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"Northern muskeg holds my prints and draws me in
like quicksand of Batouche that has old
Mischif voices that will sing at scrape of fiddle
or beat of drum and my feet ache to be there."
Perhaps, one fine day, we shall both journey there to sing & dance with our Sister. This is more than beautiful, Scribe. You speak truthfully of holy things, of natural wonders that many may never see. Even though my feet remain rooted in this concrete, this barren soil, I know this place, somehow, through your incredible words. I know Kathleen will be so honored & thrilled with your song. Good luck in the contest, Sweetie. Wanda
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Oh, next time I go up to Sask...to be sure I will be lookign her up.... I betcha she woudl make us tea and cookies.....
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nicely done
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