from “Mama and Papa Have the Going Home Shiprock Blues”
Forever.
And ever.
And ever.
There’s my cousin. Auntie. Uncle.
Another cousin.
Ever.
And ever.
And ever.
Vending machines and pop.
Chips, candy, and not enough clean water.
And ever, ever, ever.
Waiting and tired.
Tired of waiting.
Forever.
And ever.
And ever.
Go water the horses.
This poem was commissioned for T.C. Cannon: At the Edge of America, a book edited by Karen Kramer and published by Peabody Essex Museum. Copyright © 2018 by Joy Harjo. Used with the permission of the author.