Spirit in the Flute

A native American boy reflecting on his people's past

I walk an already trodden path...
Uncertain, of future lives that lie ahead

 

But, in faith I close these earthly Ojibwa eyes
In trill, thus, I hear the old ways in your presence amidst Chinook winds
As harmonic they play across the plains, from sacred astral pipes
Mimicking cricket songs that echo abstract out of the season's last autumn mist

 

I also hear your fifes in the rustle of the leaves, rising into writhe
And almost see your spirit aura as it accompanies the Algonquian breeze
Ancient ghost of proud, but now lost upon a dying nation tribe
Your music from beyond is narrations of a mystical language nature speaks

 

Sweeping thrush calls, chirps through weeping willow weeps,
Unto past September sounds, beating down on war drum clouds, of thundering maelstrom claps
And babbling brooks going on and on until narrowing creaky creeks
Alas, whooper wills warning and morning loons mourning, hidden amidst the swaying grass

 

When I see you, I imagine spectral legends majestic high across horizon's sky
Snowy silhouettes in headdress, drifting in flowing rainbow crowns
And with the night, I see you in my mind dance as the "Will-"-the-wisp" just might
Then, my body shivers from the distance, where your flute imitates the cry of the lone coyote's sound

 

As for all of your Mishomis (grandfather) traditions, I accept there is a greater essence
Kindred I am, son to your spirit and without partition from an Ojibwa eye
And I stand here staunch in cattail marshes, pondering my place in ancestral questions
Now, your answers again begin to play upon the wind, but this time traveling through the November... Whispers on needles of the pine

 

I walk an already trodden path...
But, each new step before me keeps this culture alive...

Reviews

[uNmAsKeD-dEluSiOns]

I loved the line "Mimicking cricket songs that echo abstract out of the seasons last autumn mist" how genius. I loved this also because it was such a unique subject to write about that not many people would attempt. You have a great way of using description to almost disguise the true statement and make it into a mystery, so it allows the reader to open up their mind and take a closer look to see deeper meaning. You have some haunting lines in here that really speak out and I think holds a lot of power.

[Michael G. Smith]

Thank you for such a great review. This is a tribute to my father's step family; my grandparents, co7sins, aunt a and uncles who are fully blooded Chippewa. This is published on the website Firstpeople along with other native American poems I've written.

[uNmAsKeD-dEluSiOns]

Oh how cool, that's inspiring to me :)

[Azure Montessa (Blue)]

You really impress me with your strong and powerful descriptions, Mike.That's something I am not good at. :)

[Michael G. Smith]

Practice. There's a website where the library of congress will let you download any of there books and they have numerous poetry ones. Just type library of congress texts and you Will find it. I get inspired reading poetry by the masters.

[rutherford]

Shades of Longfellow's Hiawatha. Strange personal coincidence, this is the second consecutive poem I've read involving flutes. They also have a mythological quality. Interesting voice.

[Michael G. Smith]

Thanks and a haunting mystical sound.

[Pryde Foltz]

A very strong write. I am such a mix, with just a small hint of Cree. Not really my story, but I feel the identification all the same.

[Michael G. Smith]

I found a free np3 CD on amazon of Indian flute music. It was only a matter of time before I wrote a poem about after listening to it night after night.

[Rita L. Sev]

This is beautiful, Mike. "I walk an already trodden path..." and from this line, you take us with you through history and spirituality. Excellent piece, my friend.

[Michael G. Smith]

Kind of a tribute to my Chippewa relatives. You can also find this on the Firstpeople website.

[Avinash]

We all carry history among our genes, so does the nature. Yes they are things beyond our understanding but everyone can feel it like they have experienced it. No explanation just impulses trigerred from deep side of human existence and your poem does the same.

[Michael G. Smith]

Thanks, sometimes the spirit recognizes things the mind cant.

[Leslie Philibert]

a fine poem from an excellent poet who here explores the true American history and tradition..
a poem full of lyrical sweetness.

[Michael G. Smith]

Thanks, Leslie and you are correct. I did quite a bit of research on this and on my other native American poems; Navajo Dreamer, lullaby across the Plains and Tall Tale Wendigo.

[shallimarRose]

This is absolutely breath taking.. Rose

[Michael G. Smith]

Thanks, everyone enjoys the presence from a Rose, lo..

[shallimarRose]

Awww.... sweet!