As The Wind

The wind is fierce tonight
It throws black cloud spears
Through the full moon
It rattles the windows
Of your lonely hospital room
And stampedes through your frail body
Like caribou through a broken deer fence
But this wind is a welcome visitor.
For you know it blows
Through the forest and over the lake
The People's lake
That is your home.
The keening wind carries
The spirits of your loved ones
Who knock and demand
Your release from captivity.
They howl in defiance.
They whisper their comforts
To you who lie shackled
By the cold comforts of white civilization.
They chant for the joyous prospect
Of your imminent return.
They dance in the chimney
And entice the flames
In the white man's fire pit
To join in the sacred, ancient ritual.
Though your body will not repose
With the anointing touch of ochre
And the sweet smell of the birch shroud
You will again join Your People,
Brave Shanawdithit,
Where they, at last, are free.

Michael Coady © 1994

Published in The Newfoundland Quarterly, Winter 1995-96, Vol. XC, No. 1

Published in Voices from the Rock : poems from the Newfoundland quarterly 1987-2001 / selected and edited by Everard H. King © 2000 Harry Cuff Publications Limited.