Now My People are Moist Brown Sand

2023 9th - 12th Grade Poetry Winner

I. Wicapkwak* (Blue)
The story of my people is one
buried in the sand, underneath
the blue waves overtaking Turtle’s shell.
But no matter the tide, we will forever
be ingrained on Turtle Island.

II. Wapshkyak (White)
Notice the Seas beat against the solid
Beach Rocks, from the east to west
flashing white stars.
Notice the Rocks
gradually weathering from
centuries of turmoil by the Seas.

III. Me’skwak (Red)
The Seas pour red stripes, rashes to us fragile
Rocks. They wear at our people,
drowning Turtle Island in
sickness and pushing us
farther from home.

VI. Wabdan (See)
Notice the still shimmer of our mica in the light. While dry,
We are free, sifting through time. While wet,
We are drowned by a sea of white foam.
We are left behind, now moist
Bendable
Brown
Sand.

Ocean Grove, New Jersey.
Picture Credits: Caroline Gordon

*Italicized words are from the Potawatomi language; English translations are provided in
parentheses.