(KEYWORDS: Native American Poetry, Native American Poem, Martha Moongazer Beard, Poetry, Native American Life Poems, Life Giver)
This piece, penned by Martha Moongazer Beard on December 31, 2004, and last updated twenty years ago, offers a glimpse into a Native American worldview steeped in gratitude, interconnectedness, and respect for the natural world. It is a simple yet profound poem, evoking a sense of harmony between humanity and the environment. The poem, titled Life Giver by the author, celebrates the bounty of the earth and the spirit of community through a series of invocations and expressions of thanks. It resonates with themes deeply embedded in many Native American cultures, focusing on sustainability, reverence for animals, and the cyclical nature of life.
The poem opens with an invitation, a welcoming call to "Little Cricket" to join in song. This immediately establishes a sense of kinship with the natural world. The act of singing together suggests a shared experience, a communal understanding that transcends the boundaries between species. This is not a world where humans are separate from nature, but rather an integrated part of it, actively participating in its rhythms and expressions. The simple request to sing also highlights the inherent value placed on even the smallest creatures, recognizing their contribution to the overall harmony.
The first stanza paints a picture of practical sustenance derived directly from the land. Gathering berries by the stream is not just a utilitarian act; it’s a communion with the earth. The berries are not simply consumed, but transformed into "Berry Bread," suggesting a process of collaboration and creation. The fire, a central element in many cultures, symbolizes warmth, community, and transformation. The promise of a feast for all further emphasizes the communal aspect of this existence. It is a shared experience, a collective celebration of the earth’s generosity.
The second stanza introduces "Sister Bird," a guide to the sweetness of the locust tree. The honey, a precious and highly sought-after resource, is presented as a gift, a blessing bestowed by nature. The phrase "pure delight" captures the emotional response to this offering, highlighting the joy and appreciation derived from nature’s abundance. The honey is not just for individual consumption but will "sweeten the maize for food tonight," again reinforcing the theme of communal sharing and celebration. The poem expresses gratitude for the bird’s role in providing for the community.
The poem then turns to the creatures of the earth, calling upon "Brother Frog" and "Brother Snake" to contribute to the feast. The use of familial terms like "Brother" and "Sister" underscores the deep sense of kinship and respect for all living things. The frog is asked to find "creeses," tender greens that will complement the beans, adding variety and nutrition to the meal. The snake, moving through the forest leaves, is tasked with finding "ramps," a type of wild onion known for its pungent flavor and medicinal properties. The act of foraging for these specific ingredients speaks to a detailed knowledge of the natural environment and a reliance on its resources.
The line "Thank you, Great Spirit, for this beautiful day," explicitly acknowledges the spiritual dimension of this relationship with nature. The "Great Spirit" is recognized as the ultimate source of creation and sustenance. This expression of gratitude elevates the simple act of gathering food into a sacred ritual, a recognition of the divine presence in the natural world. This idea resonates with the core beliefs of many Native American cultures, which view the earth as sacred and interconnected with the spiritual realm. The next line, "And Mother Earth’s bounty she so freely gave," further emphasizes the dualistic nature of creation, acknowledging both the spiritual source and the physical manifestation of abundance. The term "Mother Earth" is significant, portraying the earth as a nurturing and life-giving force.
The poem then shifts to the communal celebration that follows the harvest. "Tonight well fed, we will sing and dance, / Drums under the moon, our joy will enhance." The feast is not just about physical nourishment; it is a catalyst for spiritual and emotional well-being. The singing and dancing are expressions of gratitude and joy, performed under the watchful eye of the moon. The drums, a common instrument in many Native American ceremonies, provide a rhythmic heartbeat that connects the community to the earth and the spirit world. The joy is not simply experienced but "enhanced" by these communal activities, highlighting the power of shared experience to amplify positive emotions.
The final two lines of the poem encapsulate the core values of sustainability and respect for nature: "I take only what I need, with great respect / All else with my life I will protect." This is a powerful statement of ethical responsibility, a commitment to living in harmony with the natural world. The act of taking only what is needed reflects a deep understanding of resource management and a rejection of excessive consumption. The promise to protect all else with one’s life underscores the profound reverence for the natural world and the commitment to preserving it for future generations. This speaks to the important concept of Life Giver and the idea that the Earth sustains all forms of life.
Life Giver, therefore, is not just a simple poem about gathering food; it is a profound expression of a way of life that is deeply connected to the natural world. It reflects a worldview that is characterized by gratitude, respect, and a commitment to sustainability. The poem’s use of simple language and imagery makes it accessible to a wide audience, while its underlying themes resonate with universal values of environmental stewardship and community. The poem offers a powerful reminder of the importance of living in harmony with nature and of recognizing the interconnectedness of all living things. The poem’s lasting relevance is a testament to the enduring wisdom of Native American traditions and the importance of preserving them for future generations.
The work of Martha Moongazer Beard and similar poets serve to preserve and share the rich heritage of Native American culture. These poems, like Life Giver, offer valuable insights into the spiritual and philosophical beliefs of these communities, promoting understanding and appreciation for their unique perspectives on the world. The themes of respect, gratitude, and sustainability are particularly relevant in today’s world, where environmental concerns are increasingly pressing. By sharing these poems, we can learn from the wisdom of Native American traditions and work towards creating a more sustainable and harmonious future for all.