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A Poem by Ookpik

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There was this old Inuit myth that I grew up with - 
Qallupilluit, the kind of word that I used to laugh about
When I heard white teachers 
Attempt to pronounce it:
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Qallupilluit.
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Not Ka-Lu, you f*****g shmuck, 
Qalu …
Close your throat around it
Like you're trying to keep from drowning. 
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The story was told to ward children away from ice flows, but
Nowadays,
I feel it illustrates most
That being dragged into deep water
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Is the only sure way to learn about ourselves.
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Puddles, to watch you gloat 
Is to see a child go splashing
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puddles.
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© 2025 Ookpik


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Added on January 9, 2025
Last Updated on January 9, 2025

Author

Ookpik
Ookpik

Yukon Territory, Canada



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... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sGkh1W5cbH4&t=33s “In the midst of winter, I found there was, within me, an invincible summer.” “And that makes me happy. For it says tha.. more..

Writing
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A Poem by Ookpik


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A Poem by Ookpik


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A Poem by Ookpik