June Song

Ode’imini-giizis mewinzha

Strawberry moon long ago

gii-zaswewebinaanaawaan

is when they sowed

nindinawemaaganaanag.

our relatives.

—–

Ode’imini-giizis noongom

Strawberry moon today

baabiitooyaan oodenang

I wait in a community

noondamaan nindode’iwewin.

hearing my own heart beat.

—–

Ode’imini-giizis waabang

Strawberry moon tomorrow

wii-maawinzoyang maamawi

we will harvest together

mii miijiyang wiishkobi-miinan.

then eat the sweet berries.

—–

Ode’imini-giizis bawaajigen

Strawberry moon time dreaming

mii dash waabamidizoyan

to take a look at yourself

mashko-miigwaniwiyan.

you are a strong feather.