My branches reach out but cannot hail The remains of this forsaken world And nature forgotten, unwontedly hurled. Take my branch and your might can twist, But I will not snap from only your jest. Nor will I lash out in vengeful strike But in the breeze I’ll return as right. When given this name at age 7 by an Ojibway Elder, I was so disappointed. Wanted a tough guy name, like Coyote Woman, Soaring Eagle, or Walks Alone. I wonder did I grow to suit the name? or did the wise old woman "see" who I would become? Another who received her Indian Name later in life is Eileen Twain, now known by her Ojibwa name....Shania Twain. Shania meaning, "on my way" or "up and coming". Wisdom or fortune telling? I am truly grateful I was not called Buffalo Butt, Dog Face, or Howling Banshee! |
