Raven
Raven
In Kwakwaka'wakw legend
it was Raven who first
brought light to the world
Raven the trickster, the creator!
Lifted the lid of the wooden box
with his powerful beak
And released the Sun
Once when I was driving in my car
on my way home to the beach
I looked up and saw a pair of them
flying side by side, ahead of me
For a few miles we were travelling
at about the same pace
It was lovely! And for a moment
I felt like they were accompanying me
I’ve seen them gathered at the grave yard,
after a burial, just standing around like guests
Are you paying your respects? I ask
But the Ravens don’t answer me .
I’ve had the privilege to see some beautiful artwork depicting the Raven creation story in prints and carving made by Kwakiutl artist Calvin Hunt at his Copper Maker gallery, in Fort Rupert BC.
Our Land | Our People | Living Tradition, The Kwakwaka'wakw Potlatch on the Northwest Coast
Day20. prompt : For today, try writing a poem that uses an animal that shows up in myths and legends as a metaphor for some aspect of a contemporary person’s life. Include one spoken phrase.
Of all creatures to bring light into the world... interesting!
ReplyDeleteYes the Raven is often represented as a creature from the dark side in western culture so it surprising at first to see it in this role. Thanks for the read and comment Elizabeth!
DeleteLove this, Verlie. Especially the images of them travelling along with your car and paying their respects at funerals. Beautiful.
ReplyDelete