Best Chippewa Poems

Got her name off a cracker box.
Sweet young thing.
You know she really rocks.

She climbs on top.
Keeps me warm at night.

You know that girl.
She's really out of sight..

In Chippewa Falls..

That's right! 

Chippewa Falls.

Wisconsin..

Found her name in the news tonight.
Front page story.
About a girl I knew.

Wound up...

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Chief John Smith was a learned chief
revered by some, respected by many
he had taken over the Chippewa as a young man
his peers were all gone now, for he was ninety-six
he figured he might have a year or two left
he lived to be one hundred and...

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Dream Song of the Thunders
Chippewa saying
translation by Michael R. Burch

Sometimes I bemoan my “plight”
when all the while
the wind bears me across the immense sky.


What is life?
The flash of a firefly.
The breath of the winter buffalo.
The shadow scooting across the grass that vanishes with sunset.
—Blackfoot saying,...

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Mayan Poetry Translations

The Receiving of the Flower
excerpt from an ancient Mayan love poem
translation by Michael R. Burch

Let us sing overflowing with joy
as we observe the Receiving of the Flower.
The lovely maidens beam;
their hearts leap in their breasts.

Why?

Because they will soon yield their virginity to the...

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