Clay Pots and Bones
Read Clay Pots and Bones Online
Authors: Lindsay Marshall
Clay Pots and Bones
Pka'wo'qq aq Waqntal
Lindsay Marshall
Clay Pots
and Bones
Pka'wo'qq
aq Waqntal
Lindsay Marshall
New Edition
Cape Breton University Press
Sydney, Nova Scotia
Copyright 2014 by Lindsay Marshall.
First edition published 1997.
All rights reserved. No part of this work may be reproduced or used in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording or any information storage or retrieval system, without the prior written permission of the publisher. Responsibility for the research and the permissions obtained for this publication rests with the authors. Cape Breton University Press recognizes fair dealing uses under the
Copyright Act
(Canada).
Cape Breton University Press recognizes the support of the Province of Nova Scotia, through Film and Creative Industries Nova Scotia, and the support received for its publishing program from the Canada Council for the Arts Block Grants Program. We are pleased to work in partnership with these bodies to develop and promote our cultural resources.
Cover design: Cathy MacLean, Chéticamp, NS.
Cover image: Mi'kmaw hand crafted basket (19th century). Courtesy Mi'kmaq Resource Centre #2012-15-3979, Cape Breton University.
Layout: Laura Bast, Sydney, NS.
eBook development:
WildElement.ca
Marshall, Lindsay, 1960-, author
Clay pots and bones : poems / Lindsay Marshall.
Issued in print and electronic formats.
ISBN 978-1-927492-81-9 (pbk.).--ISBN 978-1-927492-82-6 (pdf).--
ISBN 978-1-927492-83-3 (epub).--ISBN 978-1-927492-84-0 (mobi)
I. Title.
PS8576.A7573C52 2014 C811'.54 C2014-900530-X
C2014-900531-8
Cape Breton University Press
PO Box 5300, 1250 Grand Lake Road
Sydney, NS B1P 6L2 CA
To My Father and Brothers
W
hen this book was first published in February 1997, I dedicated it to my father, Thomas Alexander Marshall.
On April 19, 1997, my father passed away, leaving a gap in the lives of his family and all those who knew him.
Two thousand and thirteen has been a very difficult year for me and my family. We lost Gary Thomas Marshall and Stephen Joseph Marshall in February and October respectively.
I dedicate this edition of
Clay Pots and Bones
to the memory of Tommy Marshall, Gary Thomas Marshall and Stephen Joseph Marshall, a memory that will remain forever strong.
The passage below is an excerpt from a poem entitled “Sealing Secrets from All,” which I wrote for my father on his death:
and with a deep breath
that seemed to last forever,
like a wind
arriving on cue with a blessing
he spoke:
“Good Creator,
I am ready.”
The still man lay
surrounded by satin,
a single rose
and a tobacco leaf
sealing secrets from all.
Contents
Alexander Standing in Tall Grass on Chapel Island
A Man Who Drank Tea nad Told Tales
Mainkewin? (Are You Going to Maine?)
Questions for Great Grandfather
Matuesuey Kmtin (Porcupine Mountain)
Foreword to the First Edition
T
he expression of one's culture can take many forms. Lindsay Marshall, in this his first book, has chosen to interpret our Mi'kmaw way of life through his poetry.
Lindsay's message is sometimes clear, as in the poem “Now It's Your Turn,” but oftentimes the message is more cryptic, as in “Save the Last Bullet.”
Although much of the poetry in
Clay Pots and Bones
is very personal, Lindsay manages to express himself in such a way that even the personal has a universal appeal. For instance the poem “To David,” which Lindsay wrote for his son, could apply to my own son or daughter. Likewise, the experiences of Donald Marshall Jr. as related in the moving poem “They Took Your Word,” can be related to the pain and plight of many.
Lindsay sets out to interpret both the past and the present Mi'kmaw way of life, and although true understanding cannot come from one small book of poetry, Lindsay succeeds in defining the essence of his own being, which I believe is the true hallmark of a true poet.
Dr. Peter Christmas, 1997
Former Executive Director
Mi'kmaq Association for Cultural Studies
Acknowledgements
I
would like to thank all my brothers and sisters for their continued support and love; my son David for never failing to be at my side when times have been difficult; a woman with whom I first fell in love in grade 7, whose love sustains me and breathes life into my life. We see the world with new eyes and a brand new perspective. My friend, my partner; my Florie Sutherland.
Petroglyphs
T
he illustrations contained in this book are copies of rock engravings made many years ago by the Mi'kmaq at Lake Kejimkujik in Nova Scotia. These rock drawings are called petroglyphs. They provide for us a graphic glimpse of the customs, beliefs and everyday activities of the traditional Mi'kmaw way of life. They are not intended here to illustrate Lindsay Marshall's poetry but merely to add another dimension to the poet's own interpretation of his Mi'kmaw heritage.
Gentle Warrior Woman
for Dr. Rita Joe
Sleep my gentle woman
Let all know you've won your battles
Using wisdom, spoken words and your gentle soul
You've moved me, taught me and given me
A love of words.
Step into your birch canoe
And push away from shore.
See the whirls as your paddle moves you
across land and water.
The sun in its orange and clear sky
Grows larger as you point your kwitn
Towards our Grandfather the sun.
When you reach the farthest shore
Remember us, speak of us
And pray for us
Gentle Warrior Woman