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