[This is essentially the same poem, written first in Anishinaabemowin, then in English.]
“Jichibakozh Jichaag
“Gibagidinaan zanagak,
jichaagowazisoniken.
Gijichibakozhaa jichaag
asiginaman anoonji gegoon.
Gaawiin waabandansiinaawaa
akiing gaye mitigong
aazhidetamowinan wewebaasinoog.
“Ezhi-mino-anwebiyang
Ezhi-minjimininjiizhidiyang.
“Gibagidinaan zegaanakwag
mii dash zhawenimegwaa.
Baakaakonan ishkwaandeman
mewinzha gii-gibaakwa’aman.
Gakina waa-waabandaanaawaa
ishkwaakidesagoon
waakaabimaadiziwining.”
“Rock Your Soul
“Release impossibilities
build a nest for your soul.
Rock your soul inside
the space you have gathered.
What they don’t see
on the ground and in the trees
are the answers swaying.
“As we find peaceful sleep.
As we connect our dreams.
“Release the dark storms
and you will be blessed.
Fill the emptiness behind
all the doors you once closed.
Then they will see
the bright embers
that protect our lives.”
