On a recent walk through autumn's turning, I listened to a podcast interview with Layli Long Soldier, poet and citizen of the United States and the Oglala Lakota Nation. She read from her book of poetry, WHEREAS, in which she offers a deeply personal response to the disturbingly impersonal Congressional Resolution of Apology to Native Americans, signed by President Obama in December of 2009. As we approach what has historically been Columbus Day, and more recently (for som

This morning I walk Bare hands tucked deep into wool Sun as my compass. Notice… Red spots ignite green Five-pointed flames dropped gently. Three placed in pocket. Listen… Caw, caw, caw black flaps To the peak of mountain fir. Trills sing, out of sight. Witness… Impossibly small Droplets on every green blade And Dahlia’s last bloom. When I turn towards home Rays peek over a back gate. Air, heavy with wet Dances in a shaft of light. Invisible, seen. (