We Are Coming – Poem
what They would have been taught.
let this poem be a moment to pause, to hear.
our character,
our purpose,
our values,
our spirit.
let it honour the 6,509 Native children and hundreds more that would have been taught
that the power of a matriarch is steady,
gentle
and the strength of a warrior
as she walks with the earth and protects the water.
that the importance of a gathering of minds
comes with all ages
present and witnessing.
that a good mind takes practice
with spirit,
body,
heart
and emotions balanced.
that our words,
actions,
and tears
are all medicine.
that we are listening with intentions of unity
and with the same bravery We ask to be heard.
that Their relations are resilient.
That we are still here.
dancing,
practicing ceremony,
singing,
drumming.
letting the heartbeat of the drum demand the silence to be felt.
that Their taken breathe beats the same within us all.
6,509 pure spirits.
Native spirits.
children.
that we are coming,
and we will bring them home.
that they have sparked a fire coast to coast,
the 7th fire,
and we will rise with a. collective strength
and healing
to honour them.
that when generations were of Our era, the world
would still not
understand who we are:
We are water keepers.
We are guardians of the earth.
We are protectors of our relations.
We are healers to uplift spirits.
We are warriors for the whole.
We are communities, nations, each distinct.
We are mothers, fathers, daughters, sons, family.
We are bold.
We are brave.
let Us honour.
let Us share
Our understanding,
Our world views.
Our Ways of knowing to blend
nations,
concepts,
innovate.
Our Two-Eyed Seeing,
Our natural respect for the distinctions We each carry.
Our comfort that other Nations may dance opposite ways to give thanks, and again,
We respect.
We respect all life,
We are responsible for it
and One another.
We are strong leaders.
Their ancestors would have made strong leaders.
They ARE strong leaders.
take these lessons to reflect,
then rise and stand alongside,
speak up.
educate yourself.
hear Us.
see Us.
accept Us with the same acceptance We offer others.
let Us unleash our spirited, courageous hearts into a system longing to be loved
rather than run.
because It has a heartbeat.
like Our drums,
like Them.
like Me.
like You,
like Us all.
We beat strong.
because We are strong.
and so are They.
