By Margaret Noodin

Wazhashk

Enji-bagone’ong gaajigaadewag / In the hole they hide

Kaakaazheaazowag ochaakanensag / little grey souls

Mii sa maanda nagamowin / this is the song

Anishinaabemaazowaad . . . / they are singing in Ojibwe . . .

“nikanan nikanaanig / “our cousins’ bones

ni jiibikan giboziganan / with the roots are roasting

epichii minikweyaang miiskwaasiinabo / while we drink swamp water

ziinzibaakwadaabo gii wanandanaawaa / the syrup you have all forgotten

minobagidinigeyaang / we are good and free

ji-niimiiwaad wazhashkwedong.” / and dancing in the mushrooms.”

Copyright © 2021 by Margaret Noodin