Flesh Offerings
Raven told me about your transformation
They are so jealous
I want to hear all about it
Did you fast for several days?
Did you make a sacred oath? Did you smoke with the Ones Who Know?
Did you receive the blessings of your ancestors, bestowed upon you on sacred wings? Did a sweet breeze caress your hair, as the aspens whispered their affirmations?
How was the ceremony? Did the surgeons pray with you? Did sweet medicines fill the room?
Who did you sacrifice your flesh for? Are they worthy of your love?
Did you place your offerings on the sacred fire
or were they tossed in a biohazard bin?
Did your father cut out his tongue? Did you pull out your mother’s heart or did she offer it freely? Did you throw away her name along with yours? Did it all end up on the landfill?
Will your people honour you with a feast? Will they bring medicines and food for your recovery? Will they celebrate your empty promises of cultural renewal, written in the colonizer’s doublespeak on your dismembered and poisoned self?
Will your enemies smile at your disfiguration? Will your ancestors recognize you? Will the Creator forgive your insult?
Do you hear the birds giving their morning blessings
Do you hear your descendants
howling down through the river of time?
Wow. This is very powerful. Thank you.