They Were Happy

By Sadie Rayne Antoine

I am happy…
I am singing with my family and favourite people
The deer prancing along our home
The stars glittering across our globe
Our stories carved among stone
I am happy…
Down the lake I hear two Loons
I hear wolves howling at the moon
Dangling from leaves are Cocoons
I am happy…
The fragrance of the flowers
The passing of hours
Oh, the community of ours
I am happy…
Then the first snow
The sun glare glows
The crow flying over the meadow
I am happy…
The stew was on the fire, the bannock was getting cooked
Then a big bang, we all looked.
A peaceful family, now all shook.
Many white men crawl over the brook.
I was taken away, along with my breath.
I never until now had a fear of death
My beautiful long hair was cut to length
I was happy…
I woke up, and was sad it wasn’t a dream
Desperately clinging to the beam for strength
Yet my weak limbs gave up on me
I was happy…
They constantly called me words
I tried to call help to the birds
They made me constantly call them “sirs”
I was happy…
My favourite clothing was ripped away
We had to portray a white childs way
We were forced to our scrawny knees to pray
Some of my friends began to turn grey
I was happy…
I woke up to bad dreams one night in my nightgown
It sounded like cries of the lone loon, or being struck down.
But I wasn’t allowed to turn the corner, I frowned.
I was happy…
I tried to find my siblings, they were all hidden
I only saw them one more time, I was smitten.
I tried to talk to them, but it was forbidden.
I was happy…