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Classic and Contemporary Poetry

INDIAN BLOOD (2), by                     Poet's Biography
First Line: The blackbird teacher / white claw waving
Last Line: Indian blood
Alternate Author Name(s): Randle, Mary
Subject(s): Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; Native Americans - Children; Schools; U.s. - Race Relations; Students


the blackbird teacher
white claw waving
stalked the stage
I stumbled, my mukluk caught
on a slivered board
(rustle of stealthy giggles)

my midnight mittens of velvet
crusted with crystal beads
dangled from brilliant tassels
of wool wet
with my sweat

the teacher's voice was loud:
"From the land of the Midnight Sun!"
all of them stared at me
for the first time I felt
their flowing force
did she ask me to speak
or did I crouch there like a rabbit
in the curious quiet

somehow at last
it was done
they butted and shoved to the stage
questions darted
"Do you live in an igloo?"
fingers pointed
"You eat blubber -- Hahaha!"

I was ringed by ribbons and ringlets
hair like brass
grass-pale eyes
I shivered
the silken furs of my parka trembled

in time I got away
and toward night I crept
into a closet
and bit my hand
till it was pierced
with moons of dark

Indian blood




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