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Dot Your I’s and Cross Your T’s Poetry Contest

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Sixth Place

SpiritofIndianpainting-Native American Art.com

Sacred Dwellers

Sacred Dwellers

I am of Native American born
To be caretaker of Mother Earth sworn 

I heal with powers, a medicine man                                    
Tribal’s wise supernatural shaman

I am a sacred carved out Totem Pole
To recount familiar legends, a toll

Insightful spirit animals pride in          
Taking a part as a loved guardian  

I’m the buffalo hunted to survive
Tipis, meat, fur, vital to stay alive

I’m the turtle known as the peacemaker
That’s firm, serene never a forsaker

I am lizard, killing me brings bad luck
The creation story I play, soul struck

I butterfly bringer of dreams, arrange
Transformation and life cycle of change

I the wolf early ancestor of thee
Totem animal, wise, social, and free 

Icon salmon renews energy rays
The legend conveys, respect natures ways




* Shaman translation- The word originates from the language of the Tungus people of Siberia. It can directly be translated literally to “one who works with fire”.
*  Tipis (teepees)

animalnative americanspiritualcouplet

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Sand Blown

January 16, 2024 at 8:13 AM

finely wrtten poem......yes, the sacred dwelling of spirit(s) behind the being-of-tme may manifest in what they see and then look back...stan

I Am Anaya

January 16, 2024 at 8:32 AM

Hi Stan, thank you! I respect the Native American spiritual ways.

Sara Kendrick

September 30, 2022 at 2:09 PM

Congratulations on your winning work. Way to go. Sara

I Am Anaya

October 3, 2022 at 4:55 PM

Thank you, Sara!

Ann Peck

September 30, 2022 at 10:33 AM

We could learn so much from our Native American brothers and sisters--if we would only listen...Your poem is beautiful, Anaya. Congratulations!

I Am Anaya

October 3, 2022 at 4:54 PM

Thank you, Ann. Recently they showed our Governor, in Calif., about prevention of wildfires! They have a system... (controlled burn) burn off the debris before it accumulates. It worked! We haven't had wildfires summer of 2022!

William Kelii Kekaula

September 30, 2022 at 9:32 AM

A rare theme and an exceptional entry, Anaya, compliments truly on your placement my friend, Aloha William

I Am Anaya

September 30, 2022 at 2:48 PM

Thank you, William, I am honored to write the histories of our land before the Europeans arrived. I appreciate the placement and thank you for supporting P.S. with your unique and creative contests! Aloha ~Anaya

Anne E Sangster - K

September 24, 2022 at 7:44 PM

Wow I absolutely love this! A big fave for me. And and I love American native art :-)

Anne E Sangster - K

September 25, 2022 at 1:35 PM

Thanks Anaya I'll definitely check out the link. Back at ya with the hugs :-)

I Am Anaya

September 25, 2022 at 12:33 PM

Anne, I'm glad you enjoyed, thank you for the fave. You can find out more about the art on the site! Hugs~ Anaya

Millard Lowe

September 12, 2022 at 5:33 PM

Beautiful! Pounding rhythmic imaging flow with a deep allegorical message. Thanks for the share, I Am Anaya. ONE. Peace and Love.

I Am Anaya

September 14, 2022 at 11:02 AM

I appreciate your visit and kind words, my friend Millard Lowe! Thank you, Hugs and peace to you ~Anaya

Brandy Nicole

September 3, 2022 at 7:05 PM

Your words touch my heart is so many ways, as I remember a dear Indian friend that I once knew. He would always say, listen to the wind and know I am near. This is beautiful and tender, all at the same time. Many wonderful blessings to you, my dear sweet friend. Hugs, Brandy

I Am Anaya

September 6, 2022 at 7:51 PM

I appreciate your visit and kind words, my poet friend Brandy. A friend who can teach us such lovely things are a special kind of friend. Thank you, Hugs to you ~Anaya

John Lawless

September 3, 2022 at 4:57 AM

Each of these couplets could be the focus of a meditation. I shall have to save and Fav this and quietly reflect on each one. Beautifully done Anaya

I Am Anaya

September 6, 2022 at 7:39 PM

Thank you, John lawless for your thoughts about meditation. It is a contest and I used mostly spirit animals, there was no effort involved for the I's and T's form. Meditation, I didn't have that in mind, will have to try it. Thank you, for your fave! ~Anaya

Kim Rodrigues

September 2, 2022 at 8:02 PM

An interesting penning :)

I Am Anaya

September 6, 2022 at 7:52 PM

Thank you, Kimmy, and thank s for the visit!

Susan Lawrence

September 2, 2022 at 10:10 AM

Anaya, So much depth here in your words. The journey of the Native American is so rich, so deep and whispers with the earth. Beautiful .Susan :)

I Am Anaya

September 6, 2022 at 7:47 PM

With all respect to Native Americans, I take pleasure in spiritually rich cultures and hope I do them justice in my poems. It is a wonderful journey to be a part of! Thank you, Susan Lawrence for your visit and ever so kind words. Hugs ~Anaya

Joseph May

September 1, 2022 at 6:41 AM

They respected Mother Earth, Nicely penned

I Am Anaya

September 1, 2022 at 5:16 PM

Thank you for your kind comment, Joseph ~Anaya

Bill Baker

August 31, 2022 at 4:18 PM

Love your poems about Native Americans, Anaya. Excellent information and soulful writing my friend. Hugs, Bill

I Am Anaya

August 31, 2022 at 6:34 PM

Thank you, Bill for your nice comments! Hugs

Suzanne Delaney

August 31, 2022 at 3:32 PM

This is a very well written and inspirational poem, Anaya: I have always been fascinated with nature and admired lizards in many forms. As a child my Dad would show me the scary Blue Tonged Lizards in Tasmania…it would never cross our minds to kill them. Fascinating, best, SuZ

I Am Anaya

August 31, 2022 at 6:33 PM

I'm glad you enjoyed Suzanne; I would love to hear more of your stories! Warmest wishes!

Gershon Wolf

August 30, 2022 at 9:10 PM

Every once in a while, I used to be tempted to live as the Indians do, at peace, one with nature... After spending two days 'in nature,' I usually was cured of such desires for quite a while. (And, don't laugh, I was a hardworking farmer in my twenties -- but with all the 'amenities.' lol.) ~ gw

I Am Anaya

August 31, 2022 at 5:23 PM

Lol! I'm sure the Indians also live with peace, and one with nature like the Native Americans. ;)

Valsa George

August 29, 2022 at 9:23 PM

This seems a great entry for the contest, Anaya ! All the Best. "I am lizard, killing me brings bad luck' I thought, the belief that killing a lizard brings bad luck is a locally bound superstition. Now I know it is a universal belief. I wonder if it has any rational basis.

I Am Anaya

August 31, 2022 at 11:38 AM

'Asian Indian' as well as 'Native American' tribes have in their mythology that Lizards play positive roles in their folklore. Today, Cheyenne, still consider it bad luck to kill a lizard. In the mythology of California Indian tribes, the (Pomo lizard) was one of the major figures of creation, who made humans partially in his image. Southwestern tribes, horned lizards (horny-toads) are considered sacred medicine animals. (Gila Monster) a powerful hero in Navajo and Southwestern legends. Other tribes, lizards are associated with protection, prosperity, renewal, and good luck. Hope this helps, Valsa!