Nice suprise

I finally received my copy of "Poemata" (the silver anniversary issue) in which I was recently published. I was reading through it and was suprised to another of my poems published in that issue. And so I thought I would share:

"A Summer Day in Port Bickerton"
by Lola Corkum

The mournfal cry of the lighthouse
adds an eerie essence to the fog
that rolls in from the sea like tumble-
weeds rolling across the dry prairie.

Bickerton Island, unihabited and silent,
standing guard just outside the harbour,
soon disappears into the ghostly vapour
slowly edging its way to the shore.

The sun, warm and golden,
loses its battle to the pea soup
that now envelopes the land dropping
moisture on everything it touches.

The smell of fish meal wafts its way
from across the harbour and the cry
of the seagulls feeding on scraps from
the fish plant can be heard in the gloom.

A girl, alone on the beach, looks for
treasure brought in on the tide,
jumping the rocks and leaving her
tiny footprints where there is sand.

Not even the fog deters her as
she enjoys the briny air and
the waves lapping at the shore
for she is in her element, she is home.

"Snowfall" - By Lola Corkum

Seems like my creativity took a bit of haitus over the later part of last year. However, I have been written a couple of haikus. I thought I would share this one as we have been getting alot of snow over the past weeks in our part of the world.

Photo courtesy of Josie Porter

"Snowfall"

Soft, gentle snowfall
Wint'ry cloak of Mother Earth
From icy crystals woven
(Dec 18, 2010)

"Rabbit Proof Fence"

I just finished watching "Rabbit Proof Fence" and I highly recommend it. It's a true story about three aboriginal children who were taken from their home and taken to an internment camp where they were to learn to be domestic workers. They eventually escape and walk 1500 miles in the Australian outback to get back to their home. To read more about the film and the story of Molly, Daisie, and Gracie please follow the link below:

Rabbit Proof Fence

Millbrook Pow Wow

Another great pow wow in at Millbrook First Nation. Wearing my shawl, I lead the Coady participants into the dancing circle during the grand entry. It was very hot so I only danced the first dance. For the rest of the pow wow I took in all the sights, dancing, drumming, and crafts. I purchased a new pair of earrings and a bracelet, as well as sweet grass which is now hanging in my home.

At the pow wow, I spoke to one of the keepers of the sacred fire. I asked about my eagle feather which was given to me a few years ago. He told me to bring it out to pow wows so it can feed of the energy of the drums and singing and dancing. And, so I decorated my eagle feather with lacings and beads and it's now ready to join me at the next pow wow I attend.

Good News

I am very pleased to announce that I have won 3rd place in the 2009 Canadian Poetry Association Contest for my poem "Thirty Years of Silence". This has been published in the current issue of "Poemata"

Poemata

"Thirty Years of Silence"
By Lola Corkum

A long overdue conversation
But wasn't ready 'til now.

Eight or so, but I remember that evening.
Warm, with the usual smells of the wharf,
salt, fish ropes, Grampie and I watched.

You on the deck of "The Wave" as it slipped out
on the flat, calm harbour. Knew even then
one day the sea would take you away forever.

Fourteen when you left for the last time. Long,
cold winter while you stay in your watery hiding
place. You decided to come home in the spring.

Never got to see you in the end. Only a
blue box at the front of the church. Headstone
carved to represent waves. Hope you liked it.

Mom talked alot about you after the funeral.
Wish she hadn't. Some stories are best left
untold.  A fine line between love and hate.

Time to go. Let the ghosts slip away like
a boat sailing out to sea to find its reward.

Rest in Peace Donald Marshall Jr.

I received an email today from Dr. Daniel N. Paul to let me know that Donald Marshall Jr. (Sep 13, 1953 - Aug 6, 2009) had passed to the land of souls to be with the creator. I did not know Donald Marshall Jr. personally, however, like most of us, knew of his wrongful conviction and his fight with the Canadian Justice System to have the conviction overturned. Please read more about Donald Marshall Jr. on Dr. Paul's website.http://www.danielnpaul.com/DonaldMarshallJr.-1971.html

Published!



I am officially a published poet.
Three of my poems appear in Poemata (Volume 24, Number 1, 2009). Below is one of the poems.







Emlsigtmat (hear a ghost)
by Lola Corkum

Awti'j. The path lies before me.
Well trod by the ancestor's moccasins.
Grandmother's spirit nudges
like a gentle wind at my back.

A'tugwaqan. Stories of the People.
Passed down from generation to generation.
Emanating out like a ripple on the water
from a well thrown stone.

Gina'masuti. Knowledge is mine.
I venture forth in new found freedom
A young bird who has discovered
its wings and takes to the skies.

Lnu. First Nations I am.
Spririts of my ancestors envelope me
as a morning dew reaches out and
gently covers a newly opened flower.



This poem is dedicated to my grandparents,
Peter & Recinicus Oliver.