Obit: Rita Joe (Mi'k-maq poet)

Subject: Obit: Rita Joe
From: GUEST,meself
Date: 21 Mar 07 - 06:06 PM

The Mi'k-maq poet has died (1931-2007). For those who don't know her, here's a sample of her work that shows its compelling and characteristic comibination of simplicity, pain, and hope:


                   Human Rights


            " You must write me a poem, "
On the honor of twenty-five years of our organization. "
               " What will I write. ? "
       The only dealings we had were negative.
                My poetry is positive.
       His voice dropped to a lower tone
" I just thought we had something in common. "

O yes, we have something in common, but not pretty.
   The movement of my heart works in my poetry.

                   You celebrate
                I am still hurting
                  You celebrate
         Maybe the next twenty-five years
          We will celebrate together.


More here : bio. and poems.

Subject: RE: Obit: Rita Joe
From: Peace
Date: 21 Mar 07 - 06:08 PM

Rita.

Subject: RE: Obit: Rita Joe (Mi'k-maq poet)
From: Sandy Mc Lean
Date: 21 Mar 07 - 09:13 PM

A loss not only for the Mi'k-maq Nation but for all of Cape Breton! The Peacefull Warrior instilled pride of heritage in her own people and great respect from others. She leaves behind a very impressive legacy!

Subject: RE: Obit: Rita Joe (Mi'k-maq poet)
From: Bee
Date: 21 Mar 07 - 09:29 PM

Goodbye, Rita Joe, you'll be sadly missed and greatly celebrated... it feels like too many of our poets and music makers have gone away these past few months.

Subject: RE: Obit: Rita Joe (Mi'k-maq poet)
From: Sandy Mc Lean
Date: 22 Mar 07 - 01:03 PM

More here:http://www.capebretonpost.com/index.cfm?sid=18360&sc=145

Subject: RE: Obit: Rita Joe (Mi'k-maq poet)
From: Sandy Mc Lean
Date: 22 Mar 07 - 01:07 PM

And here:
http://www.herald.ns.ca/NovaScotia/566042.html