Myra here.
Thank you to Heidi Mordhorst @ My Juicy Little Universe for hosting this week.
When The Light Of The World Was Subdued, Our Songs Came Through
Edited by Joy Harjo with Leanne Howe, Jennifer Elise Foerster, and Contributing Editors (Amazon | Book Depository)
I bought this book specifically for our current reading theme on #SurvivalStories2021 as we attempt to ‘decolonize our libraries’ and feature more voices from First Nations people. I dip in and out of this book – it is quite the chunkster – and found this poem by Frank Lapena, Nomtipom Wintu. He served as Professor of Art and Ethnic Studies and director of Native American Studies at Sacramento State University for more than thirty years. He passed away in 2019. There is much joy in this poem.
To dance with so much joy for the gifts the universe brings – there is freedom in this. Have you read this edited anthology yet? Any favourites from the collection?
Gathering Books 
There is so much light, color, joy, and spirit in these lines. “Whispering in the color of blue pollen…” I may have to lift that line someday (with due credit). I’ve read many times over now, just to fling the arms of my mind open wide to the universe, to grasp the tiny paws of the sun-colored mouse, to dance and sing along with his joy in the flowers. When the COVID-winter subdued us, spring-healing came through. What a gift today – thank you, Myra.
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All those colors that we need to remember, to celebrate. It is a beautiful poem, Myra!
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What a wonderful poem! Ruth, thereisnosuchthingasagodforsakentown.blogspot.com
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Hi, Myra–what a great selection from this ‘chunkster’ of a book. It must have been hard to choose! Thank you for always highlighting something I have not come across. I’m glad you’re a part of Poetry Friday, from so far away.
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Wow, what lovely imagery in this. Thank you, Myra, for sharing!
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It is joyful imagery in this, the pollen, the flowers, a mouse celebrating. Lovely poem! The book must be a fascinating collection.
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I love the color and dancing and joy in this poem.
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This poem does fill the mind and heart, Myra – so intriguing and uplifting. Thank you for sharing this joyful selection and the anthology! (& ditto Heidi’s last comment!)
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