 Poems
by Maricia Skinna
Here are a selection of poems written by Maricia
Skinna, originally from Mountain Village and now living in Klawock,
Alaska.
ABCs of The Native Way
Always willing
to lend a helping hand – giving, caring, and
sharing during times of need.
Belong to our Tribal People – together we form a web of protection
and strength.
Commissioners of our Civil Rights – standing strong in our
inherent place in this world.
Delicate, fragile, and precious – like the tundra, maintaining
respect and balance is crucial.
Energetic – toward our goals, we run like a bear, full of
speed and might.
Fun-loving – laughter fills the air that flows over the land,
timber, and seas.
Generous – together, we take care of the needs of our People,
giving freely.
Honoring our past – ancestors speak through us with vigilance.
Intelligent, genius, articulate – look at the many products
of our mindfulness - sleds, masks, the qayaq.
Just – we believe in the ways of the past - no one gets away
from wrongdoing without consequence.
Kindred spirits – reincarnated from our forefathers - spirits
come alive through us, sustaining us.
Loving – we honor one another above ourselves in the true
way, putting all others first.
Mighty – Olympics demonstrate strength, survival skills learned
from days of past.
No Natives or Dogs Allowed – A sign seen no more!
Ominous – We believe in spirits all around - of the land,
air and vast waterways of our world.
Purposeful – Our songs and dances take us to places near
and dear to our Creator.
Quiet – Our strong words and gentle actions speak volumes
of the noble People we claim to be.
Resourceful – Our natural surroundings provide everything
we need to feel like real human beings.
Successful – During hard times we continually adjust and
set our aims high, in both worlds.
Traditional – We live by way of the old, paving the way for
new traditions in order to survive.
Universal ethics – Love, Belief, Support, Laughter, Mourning,
and Continual Improvement.
Values – Never shifting from respect, harmony, balance, and
trust - we value our lives together.
Willful – Our hearts, minds and spirits have a power beyond
comprehension or imagination.
X-ray vision – Look into our eyes, see our spirit, read our
mind not, so long we have fought.
Youthful – Our cultural heritage lives on in the voices and
actions of our young ones.
Zero – Following Generation “X”, Generation Zero,
our Hero, learn, listen, and continue to be.
By Maricia Skinna
April 2, 2008 |
