Cape Breton's Magazine

3 Poems by Rita Joe from her new book Lnu and Indians We're Called The Monk I am tired in early evening I lay on the couch relaxing in a half-doze. This is the seventh month of pregnancy. A spirit-monk is bending over my stomach Looking, as if with concern; I wish him away. A short time later I go to hospital Today I have a strapping boy That a monk came to see one day. The Toddler Boy From Another Age After the birth of my baby I slept on a cot near the infant In the old dining room Of a house we had purchased. During the night my newborn cried a need. Instantly I swung my feet onto the floor Eager to comfort my offspring. A little toddler ran across my path On his way back I reachea out my hand To hug and keep him warm. The stretch of hand produced air And he ran away to hide behind a crib. Like all little boys in mischief his eyes dared But with no fear from him or me Both of us seemed to care. Once in a while he comes to his former home The toddler boy from another age Now a shadow. WE BUY AND WE SELL AND WE'RE AS NEAR AS YOUR TELEPHONE Sid's Used Furniture Phone 564-6123 436 Charlotte Street, Sydney ANSWERS 10Y0UR INSURANCE QUEsriONS-irs Do you have questions about JkC general insurance (auto, home, liability, r%9 bonding, etc.)? We have people b m Mmm who can answer your questions t''S ?? overthe phone or by mail ??''?P ?? with the right pamphlet. Becoming better informed about insurance is only a phone call away. Irxsuroivce Bufecxu of Canoda Buneou cfossuronce du Coixoda Representing private general Halifax* 42Q-? 7''J0 insurance companies in Canada TollFree: 1-800-565-7189 Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. AS The Dream Was The Answer On the morning of August 14, 1989 My husband Frank passed away in Calais, Maine. The thirty-five years we spent together Is a love story in itself, always there. I respected the man and lost him Ki'suTk weswalata. The next morning on the way home to Canada We rested in New Brunswick. My grandson the driver sleeping While my thoughts kept me awake The pain so great, I conversed with Niskam I tried to convince him that Frank was a good man He knew a lot of trades I told him. One of them with children. As a worker for the Micmac Family and Children Services He replaced loss with loving arms. On the morning of September 14, 1989 I received a phone call from Saskatchewan Where our daughter Bemadette trains To better herself, more determined now That her father is gone. "I dreamt about Dad," she said "He was holding a child, a child so beautiful His hair the colour of snow." I knew then that Frank is at peace The symbol of our culture is white He is working with Niskam now I know. Ki 'su 'lie weswalata ' • Our Creator took him • Nislcam • God