#exile of memory

[gennsoup]

And then what, you with your words In the enemy's language, Do you know how to make a peaceful road Through human memory? And what of angry ghosts of history? Then what?

Joy Harjo, Exile of Memory

[whisperthatruns]

. . .

We used to crowd the bar for Tuesday ten-cent beer night. It was the Indian, poetry, biker and student bar In that university and military base town. Trays packed with small cups of beer passed nonstop Over the counter all night. We brought all of our thirsty dreams there Gambled with them at the pool table, all night. Danced with them and each other on the blood-stained dance floor To jukebox songs fed by dimes and quarters, all night. And by 2 A.M. we staggered out To the world made by Puritan dreaming No place for Indians, poets or any others who would Ride the wild winds for dangerous knowledge.

All night.

Joy Harjo, from “Exile of Memory,” An American Sunrise (W. W Norton & Company, 2019)