I was reading some Marie Annharte today. She is an Anishinabe storyteller, educator, activist, and kick-ass funny and poignant poet. I love the tone and the playful snark in her work.

Here is one from her book of poetry called Coyote Columbus Cafe (1994).

what does a poor coyote girl do?

I act choosy about what abuse

my clientele gets

I am the first one got Coyotisma

(dey all say dey ever met one)

if they don’t like dis talk

I do teas’em up to the climax

of my act but I am too damn direct

for the colonized coyote

poor oppressed critter

                                                            hey, you on the Columbus trip

even when I yell at them

I get the usual ho hum complaint

as Coyotrix I lie and trick

what does a poor coyote girl do?

sure I pose baffling questions

administer random coyote IQ tests

                                                            what is paler than stranger?

I warn you multiple answers possible

circle (a) the landlord comes around

first of the month to collect rent

wrong answer but don’t pick that one

please follow directions & circle choice

what about (c) a landlord of colour?

right answer is (d) I got my rights

2. (b)I am the landlord around here
   

                                                                how about solving the mystery

                                                                did I discover Columbus first?

it could happen in a Woody Allen movie

Columbus gives a squirmy spiel

                                                                I don’t know anybody on this

                                                                boat. Strong chance we won’t

                                                                make it to land.

                                                                The map I made shows the Indies

                                                                beyond the curve in the earth.

                                                                Most of the crew are already

                                                                around the bend.

Columbus did lack

    cultural awareness

    equity

    affirmative action

    political correctness