Cree Naming Poem
Princess Hal
When she came out into the world
her light shone for all to see.
It’s in the middle, hidden, the name that means Light.
This didn’t trouble us
when she’d ask questions, wanting the reason
how things work, or just the why.
Later, we wouldn’t tell her the magic of the name
because we’re selfish—If she lets the light shine
we’ll be alone. A beam cannot be held
but it can be contained
under a bushel.
So began the masks,
One for them, one for her.
She has plenty to say and stories to tell,
She loved the rhythm of words, the rhythm of music,
Jokes and puns and silly things--
Anything where Timing is everything.
When would it be her time?
Theatre would provide the stage
where she could create and shape
and give her total control.
Maybe with theatre she could
piece together what coulda, shoulda, mighta been
exercising what eluded the illumination.
But it appears that won’t happen.
After the dream stopped,
She quit trying things.
EXCEPT she found that she can control
The spotlight, widening the circle or tightening it
All to her pleasure.
Sharing when the time is right.
--Peggy Glennie