The power of the drum,
of the drum,
freeing the primal being
within,
sets our hearts to beating,
our feet to dancing,
our spirits
joyous
at being alive,
connected to the earth,
sisters, brothers
to each other,
connected
to all life,
to the heartbeat
of our mother,
by the power
of the drum.
The power of the drum
makes us all warriors,
all sisters,
all brothers,
the power of the drum
makes us
all kin.
He stands up
with one heart,
and speaks for
the many,
this man of the people,
by the power of the drum.
Raymond Robinson, First Nations elder from Manitoba, who has accompanied Chief Theresa Spence on her hunger strike these many weeks, gave a stirring speech on Parliament Hill on January 11. The Idle No More movement, which has spread across Canada like wildfire, is calling for government leaders, especially Stephen Harper, to meet with First Nations leaders on a nation-to-nation basis, to discuss coexistence in this country.
Idle No More supporters want Bill C45 repealed, a bill that First Nations feel violates treaty rights, gives federal government more control over their reserves and will reduce their ability to protect millions of lakes and rivers. (One's mind makes the immediate leap to the northern oil pipeline Harper is so enamored of.)
sources: Occupy Canada
cbc.ca
canadianawareness.org
priceofoil.org
Sherry, I sensed the drum-like beat in the way you have written this poem.
ReplyDeleteHope that some co-operation in the days to come between parties will be a step forward to rectifying some of the issues.
This is very interesting, Sherry! Something local but carrying a message international in nature. The down-trodden and the deprived have to resort to the effective 'Occupy' syndrome to be heard. Going by the 'Occupy Wall St' that happened recently the hunger strike might just take off that way. Good luck to them. Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteHank
The power of the drum can call many to action! I can FEEL the beat in this poem, Sherry.
ReplyDeleteThe voice of the people can be heard, Sherry. I was thrilled today to hear from my sister-in-law that the people of scenic South Surrey have defeated a proposed casino being built on farmland just east of White Rock.
ReplyDeleteOf course, I often think of Harper's beloved oil pipeline and my beloved British Columbia, and it's a no-brainer to me. I do hope Canada's First Nations can talk some sense into a prime minister who dares to ignore their rights.
Luv, K
That was really intense and well written!
ReplyDeleteI like the Energy of the poem. Very high, very compelling.
ReplyDeleteWell, the drum is the traditional call to action. This poem succeeds magnificently as a poem and deserves to succeed as a drum roll.
ReplyDelete