A family is essentially a field of stories, each intricately connected. Death does not sever the connection; rather, the story expands as it continue… - Joy Harjo

I'm already tired of hearing about this madman Columbus and discovery. Yet, this quincentenary is important because crucial attention is being paid to the indigenous peoples of this america. I say there never was an "encounter." To have an encounter would be quite a groundbreaking event! That would require Euro-Americans and Europeans to meet native peoples with respect. I don't know that it's ever been done. There was always a hidden agenda, a hierarchy in which the lives of native peoples were counted as worthless, as were the cultures. What a tremendous loss for everyone! (1992)

Be who you are, even if it kills you.

It will. Over and over again.
Even as you live.

Break my heart, why don't you?

My children were slick otters of joy in these rough waters of living