Out of the ten poems there was only one that didn't make me smile. (You probably can guess which one). The other nine were delightful. From this day forward I shall try writing shorter poems. Thank you.
Indian giver, what a phrase! I like to think that I've always assumed it was we white people doing the giving and taking back it alludes to (history would concur) but I can't say for sure that I understood it this way as a kid. I do remember feeling that it would be incredibly nerve-wracking to be a settler out there in Indian country but not because the locals I imagined waiting in ambush behind every tree and rock were notorious promise breakers.
Thanks for another generous batch of crystalline poems. I bet if I scroll back up they'll still be there!
Wonderful. I came to the States 30 years ago and still don't get the phrase 'Indian giver.' I read Black Elk Speaks at 15 yrs of age, and read Bury My Heart when that came out amongst others, and never understood the phrase.
There's a wonderful poem which you reminded me of by Roger McGough called, I think, Contact Lenses. I'll see if I can find it for you.
Thanks, Alexie. Enjoyed these. Some made me laugh -- "Sex", "Smoke Alarm"
I've had that thought about the phrase "Indian Giver" -- that it can be read as one who gives to Indians -- and that's why it achieved the meaning "to give then take back" -- because those who gave to Indians sure took back whatever they gave -- and a whole lot more. On a different note -- I've been reading David Graeber's Debt: the first 5000 years. He talks about how in small scale traditional societies everything was shared -- thus my gift to you, if I need it tomorrow, is something I know I'm allowed to borrow, thus resources are essentially communal. This confused a lot of European explorers. The generosity of the natives -- who would then "steal" anything that looked interesting.
As to the tulip -- one year a lovely little sunflower grew up in my front yard. It was right near the sidewalk. I wasn't surprised when it disappeared. It was planted by a bird, I figure. I took a picture before it rode away in a stranger's hand.
It’s some universal law that smoke alarms run their course in the wee smalls hours of the morning.
Chirp and burp???
Out of the ten poems there was only one that didn't make me smile. (You probably can guess which one). The other nine were delightful. From this day forward I shall try writing shorter poems. Thank you.
Thank you! I live at the intersection of one great river and another great river, too. Wish I could send you a picture of my weaving of that event.
Indian giver, what a phrase! I like to think that I've always assumed it was we white people doing the giving and taking back it alludes to (history would concur) but I can't say for sure that I understood it this way as a kid. I do remember feeling that it would be incredibly nerve-wracking to be a settler out there in Indian country but not because the locals I imagined waiting in ambush behind every tree and rock were notorious promise breakers.
Thanks for another generous batch of crystalline poems. I bet if I scroll back up they'll still be there!
These are fabulous. I just love them.
That Partisan one. So, so true.
very fine poetry Sherman
I saw your comments in another post about "POETRY!" It's a blessing to get some quality poetry without a search for obscure chap books.
Your words are powerful in their sparseness. Inspirational. Thank you.
Wonderful. I came to the States 30 years ago and still don't get the phrase 'Indian giver.' I read Black Elk Speaks at 15 yrs of age, and read Bury My Heart when that came out amongst others, and never understood the phrase.
There's a wonderful poem which you reminded me of by Roger McGough called, I think, Contact Lenses. I'll see if I can find it for you.
Luscious thank you.
LOVE these. I weirdly designated November as a month for poetry in my journals, and these will do nicely. Thank you.
Thanks for getting me out of my head for a few. Been stuck for a while. Indian giver, what an amazing example of our projection.
Thank you.
Thanks, Alexie. Enjoyed these. Some made me laugh -- "Sex", "Smoke Alarm"
I've had that thought about the phrase "Indian Giver" -- that it can be read as one who gives to Indians -- and that's why it achieved the meaning "to give then take back" -- because those who gave to Indians sure took back whatever they gave -- and a whole lot more. On a different note -- I've been reading David Graeber's Debt: the first 5000 years. He talks about how in small scale traditional societies everything was shared -- thus my gift to you, if I need it tomorrow, is something I know I'm allowed to borrow, thus resources are essentially communal. This confused a lot of European explorers. The generosity of the natives -- who would then "steal" anything that looked interesting.
As to the tulip -- one year a lovely little sunflower grew up in my front yard. It was right near the sidewalk. I wasn't surprised when it disappeared. It was planted by a bird, I figure. I took a picture before it rode away in a stranger's hand.