Great poem on the magic of words and the power they have. Sherman, you already resurrected that deer, perhaps in another dimension, another plane, but you did it. Very cool indeed.
This poem reminded me of a time I did a lot of distance running and I came across a beautiful doe along side a parkway in the foothills of CA .
It surprised me because it was so foggy and all of a sudden her body perfect lay right in front of me. I took it as a sign to understand something.
Later that day, I was at a book store and randomly pulled a book out, which was Derrick Jensen's - A Language Older than Words. There is a segment in his book that talked about his relationship with coyotes. I ended up writing him an email about my experience with the deer and owls. He wrote me back and did tell me those moments were messages. I cried... for me it confirmed there are special experiences with animals that have deep meaning. I say prayers for all the animals I see on roadsides and wish the animals back to the woods. I too have had the feeling of hoping I could resurrect them back...and imagine them back.
As for special powers us natives have, it's probably the one thing growing up native in an un-native environment that saved me against prejudice. I just took in that,white people didn't understand & a belief that my ancestors sent me protection. Hee, hee. Your poem was beautiful.
Yup, I understand. Tewa are Pueblo Native Americans. Not Northwest Salmon tribe Native American. I connected-the-dots (very quickly, perhaps too quickly) to the Christian/Water Pot Boy overlapping mythologies. Both tell a Hero story, has monomythic elements, including miraculous conception, virgin birth, quest for the father, decent to the underworld, and rebirth. Highway Lazarus connected that “rebirth” dot for me – immediately. Not surprising. So many mythologies overlap with the Christian mythology – Native American mythology is one among many. Still, Fantastic a poem!
I don't know of Water Pot Boy. I'm from a salmon tribe who live between one great river and one good river. But I'm certainly familiar with Christianty.
Those last lines connect me to your familiar visit this trip and seeing the lost photo of your grandmother. —-And the rest of the poem harkens to the prophet Ezekiel and his dry bones, a passage that keeps coming back to me. So wonderful thank you
I've found there is often "magic in empathy". It's often a dose of harsh reality. This white person has learned to seek spiritual strength only in her own heart. Words are powerful life givers and yours continue to inspire me. Thank you.
In love with this! Beautiful and profound piece! Plus I have a feeling there's more to this... that we are not just talking about deer!
Great poem on the magic of words and the power they have. Sherman, you already resurrected that deer, perhaps in another dimension, another plane, but you did it. Very cool indeed.
“Make magic from my empathy” - I love this. If only….
Yes, Leigh, if only...
Just got back from a road trip to Montana. Saw far too many broken deer beside the roads. If only that power(magic) was available.
Wow!! I had goose bumps while reading your poem! So moving and soft (the only word I could thinkm - or maybe smooth)
Thanks, Toni.
This poem reminded me of a time I did a lot of distance running and I came across a beautiful doe along side a parkway in the foothills of CA .
It surprised me because it was so foggy and all of a sudden her body perfect lay right in front of me. I took it as a sign to understand something.
Later that day, I was at a book store and randomly pulled a book out, which was Derrick Jensen's - A Language Older than Words. There is a segment in his book that talked about his relationship with coyotes. I ended up writing him an email about my experience with the deer and owls. He wrote me back and did tell me those moments were messages. I cried... for me it confirmed there are special experiences with animals that have deep meaning. I say prayers for all the animals I see on roadsides and wish the animals back to the woods. I too have had the feeling of hoping I could resurrect them back...and imagine them back.
As for special powers us natives have, it's probably the one thing growing up native in an un-native environment that saved me against prejudice. I just took in that,white people didn't understand & a belief that my ancestors sent me protection. Hee, hee. Your poem was beautiful.
Thank you...
All people have their spirituality and messages.
Gawd dammit, you are good.
Thank you, Alex.
like the fire in this.Spontaneous !
Yup, I understand. Tewa are Pueblo Native Americans. Not Northwest Salmon tribe Native American. I connected-the-dots (very quickly, perhaps too quickly) to the Christian/Water Pot Boy overlapping mythologies. Both tell a Hero story, has monomythic elements, including miraculous conception, virgin birth, quest for the father, decent to the underworld, and rebirth. Highway Lazarus connected that “rebirth” dot for me – immediately. Not surprising. So many mythologies overlap with the Christian mythology – Native American mythology is one among many. Still, Fantastic a poem!
Thank you.
Christian mythology meets Water Pot Boy (Tewa Indian Native North American) mythology. Fantastic!
I don't know of Water Pot Boy. I'm from a salmon tribe who live between one great river and one good river. But I'm certainly familiar with Christianty.
This one gave me chills.
Thank you, Amy.
Wonderful
Thank you!
Those last lines connect me to your familiar visit this trip and seeing the lost photo of your grandmother. —-And the rest of the poem harkens to the prophet Ezekiel and his dry bones, a passage that keeps coming back to me. So wonderful thank you
Thank you, Shemaiah. Yes, my journey back to tribal lands has me writing many words.
"make magic from my empathy" Beautiful, Sherman
Thank you, Bob.
This hit perfectly
Thank you, Julia.
I've found there is often "magic in empathy". It's often a dose of harsh reality. This white person has learned to seek spiritual strength only in her own heart. Words are powerful life givers and yours continue to inspire me. Thank you.
Thank you, Becky.