gathered by a river
Chilkat or Klukshu
was so long ago
just recall the view
coming from Klukwan
in a Volkswagen bug
wheezing through passes
with a cranky chug
mountain skyscrapers
eagles and caribou
air so pure it hurt
skies bombastic blue
Tlingit river mother
splitting out her seams
fattened on spring thaw
where the sockeye teams
cascades carousing
whipped to violet foam
dancing through mountains
where the grizzlies roam
assembled were we
I've vague memory
of native celebration
blanketing ceremony
chosen and adopted
by Chilkat Tlingit
draped like a queen in
our native blanket
I had a picture
of smiling little me
with missing front teeth
snuggled cozily
enveloped within
a many-eyed shawl
formline spirit beasts
mute but seeing all
adopted name given
from Chief's grandmother
titled Dok-du-Yik
to me and no other
(I know that I have spelled the name wrong. Perhaps said it wrong too. Apologies. It's how young me heard it).
I didn't understand
yet knew t'was serious
wearing her name robe
ancient and mysterious
such a large mantle
for one so small to wear
big responsibility
for a child to bear
I've long treasured
my Tlingit memory
but given few thoughts
for this much loved lady
Hope I'm good enough
to carry honor's weight
she deserves a worthy
namesake and soulmate
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