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Inuit Silence

The lake freezes over as the snow falls deeper, Tiny white stars that drift tenderly from up high. The heavens steal sacred crystals from their keeper, Like silver so delicately plucked from the sky. The horizon disappears in the dark of night, Sudden lights glow ahead in the white man's village. Disrupting the serenity and quiet might Of brother wolves and those of similar image. The calls of my kin in the distance do stir me, Eagles beckon and the wake of dogsleds begin. The drums in the coldness and young children still plea, In tune with the harmony of the wild wind. Heart beating to the sound of the wind I stand still, Beneath this ice is an ecosystem untouched. The pulse through my feet flow to the beat of the hill, And this earth in its axis seems trapped, almost clutched. I turn from the village to meet the horizon, So slowly it yields to mountains that can't be reached. Walking the silent air to obtain the bison, The tall limitless summits will never be breached. Ice marries the crisp air as night covers the sun, And so six months of quiet and stillness commence. Wind blows through the vastness and takes man's shame with it. Stand still and at peace with this Inuit silence.

Copyright © | Year Posted 2007




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Date: 3/20/2013 5:55:00 AM
Excellent poem! You capture the spirit of your native home with a mature skill, and your flow and ability to rhyme so well are uncanny; your poems need to be imitated by other poets, in my opinion. Thanks again for a wonderful read! Ngoc.
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Elaine Ho
Date: 3/20/2013 9:04:00 AM
Hi again Ngoc - to clarify (I don't want to make any false claims) I am not Inuit, nor have I ever actually even visited an Inuit community (sadly). I am familiar with many First Nations individuals and I'm closely associated (through friendship) with a Maasai community; I tend to hold a great amount of respect and admiration for these kinds of cultures.
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Elaine Ho
Date: 3/20/2013 9:04:00 AM
[cont'd from prev comment] When I wrote this poem, I just felt so much awe for the beauty in the winter around rural Ontario, that I began to daydream about a different, perhaps more peaceful and fulfilling place that would match that feeling for me. I'm glad you enjoyed it!

Book: Shattered Sighs