They tried, but couldn’t pierce my soul, she cried, tears streaming down her face,
They took my body, took my mind, and tore me from my rightful place,
They burned my clothes and cut my hair,
They ordered silence, not to dare
To say a word in native tongue,
They concentrated on the young.
They tried, but couldn’t pierce my soul, she said,
The anger and the pain still causing angst inside her head,
I’ve kept this little piece of me, I’ve held it tight, no one can see,
I’ve fought my whole life long and learned to hate,
And now I can’t let go, it seems too late.
They tried, and nearly pierced my soul, she sighed,
They wrenched me from my family and left a gap so wide
That everything I was and all that I was meant to be
Was lost. A sad and frightened girl was me.
They tried, and in so many ways they won,
My life tumbled around me and for years I was undone.
I clutched my soul with all my might, I drank and swore and learned to fight
But lost my grip, then lost myself for years,
Could barely keep from drowning in a watershed of tears.
They tried, and nearly pierced my soul, she said,
But here it is, still hanging by a worn and thinning thread.
This tiny flame, this speck of me is all that’s left of history,
Is it too late to give my soul a chance,
Oh healing wind, caress this flame, allow my soul to dance.
Salish Moon – By Coast Salish Artist Joe Jack
Photo Credit
Salish Moon – By Coast Salish Artist Joe Jack – All Rights Reserved
First Posted At Ina’s Blog
Guest Author Bio
Ina Timmer
Ina Timmer writes poetry that reflects deep feelings. Living on a small, British Columbia island, she turns to nature and to the experiences in her life for inspiration.
Blog / Website: Ina’s Blog
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