I love the present tense used with loved ones,alive and dead. I don’t know if love has a physical weight but I agree it does exist beyond one’s physical life. As always, Thanks Sherman
I read this poem to over a hundred border region high school students as background information before we read a novel with a reservation setting. The images worked well in terms of analysis/ promoting meaning. thanks.
"It means your engine is fueled by grief, shame and rage" is such a succinct observation. I had no idea how much grief in present day (never mind generational, genetic trauma) that my Native friends experience due to frequent car wrecks and substance use. I mean, we're talking a funeral a week in some seasons. Who can bear it?
There is an old Irish poem or blessing that goes something like this:
"May the road rise to meet you,
May the rain fall softly on your fields,
May the wind be always at your back, And, until we meet again
May God hold you in the hollow of His hand."
Clearly, the wind was not at the backs of some of your relatives and friends, and perhaps God's hand was over-crowded on the days some of them died. Your awe-inspiring poem memorializes them for this Irish-born woman,, as well as for everyone else who reads it. Thank you, Sherman Alexie <3
Sherman, this is a powerful and amazing poem. Thanks for sharing. I lived in TX for 3 years and roadkill was a running joke. Thanks for the background on the inspiration for the poem.
Another great one Sherman. But it sucked me in just like your impossible-to-put-down-again-but-still-surprised-me-that-I can't-because-I-already-read-it-once memoir ,"You Don't Have to Say You Loved Me.." These family ghosts are just too good to not learn from.
God that was transcendent.
Thank you, Eva-Maria.
.. I’m with Eva-Maria.. !
Thank you!
I love the present tense used with loved ones,alive and dead. I don’t know if love has a physical weight but I agree it does exist beyond one’s physical life. As always, Thanks Sherman
Thank you, Steve.
Really wonderful.
Thank you, Summer
The beautiful sadness. Wonderful.
Thank you, Rachel.
I read this poem to over a hundred border region high school students as background information before we read a novel with a reservation setting. The images worked well in terms of analysis/ promoting meaning. thanks.
very special idea !
Hey, that's cool! Thank you!
Perfect
Thank you, Dale.
"It means your engine is fueled by grief, shame and rage" is such a succinct observation. I had no idea how much grief in present day (never mind generational, genetic trauma) that my Native friends experience due to frequent car wrecks and substance use. I mean, we're talking a funeral a week in some seasons. Who can bear it?
Much love.
Thank you.
"but I miss all of them." I heard your voice say these words. Chills.
Thank you, Abbie.
My coworker drove me to Wellpinit for work once. It was so awesome to be there for that day but I would NEVER make that drive myself! 😱💕
Yeah, it can be quite the adventure.
And once again your words lead us straight to our hearts. ❤️❤️❤️
Thank you, Gael.
Beautiful
Thank you, Molly.
There is an old Irish poem or blessing that goes something like this:
"May the road rise to meet you,
May the rain fall softly on your fields,
May the wind be always at your back, And, until we meet again
May God hold you in the hollow of His hand."
Clearly, the wind was not at the backs of some of your relatives and friends, and perhaps God's hand was over-crowded on the days some of them died. Your awe-inspiring poem memorializes them for this Irish-born woman,, as well as for everyone else who reads it. Thank you, Sherman Alexie <3
god
Thank you for sharing that blessing, Therese.
So beautiful! Made me miss so many I’ve loved ❤️
Thanl you, Reena.
Sherman, this is a powerful and amazing poem. Thanks for sharing. I lived in TX for 3 years and roadkill was a running joke. Thanks for the background on the inspiration for the poem.
Thank you, Harley.
Another great one Sherman. But it sucked me in just like your impossible-to-put-down-again-but-still-surprised-me-that-I can't-because-I-already-read-it-once memoir ,"You Don't Have to Say You Loved Me.." These family ghosts are just too good to not learn from.
Thanks, Rick. Yeah, I spend so much time in the past