Something Happened

- by Sabrina Sutherland

Now, when you are able to,
Try to remember in the good mind,

Remember, God made all things.
To love and to not fear, while here
Listen to and see the wind,
Or remember a path to water.
Go now to any of many.
Child, whatever happened...
The Pain you are, Hurt or Hurter,
Remember Creator made all things.
Do not be afraid. Walk.
Forgive...wait...listen... Listen.
Hiding, Seeking, Watching, Lost,
Sick, Craving, Killer, Thief,
Remember and love Love.
Feel and breathe both, and all
Gentle and destructive winds.
Close eyes...so tired... And see
guilt and grief surrender; dream.
Remember the wind, your secret,
Tell it in tears soft to the water
Love your mother is suicide...
Love your father is murder...
Hold me, Earth! Save me, Fire!
Prayer's intent for family, the people,
Meaningless whispers in tall grasses
Come here, Child, something happened.

Sabrina Sutherland is an emerging Indigenous poet from Attawapiskat. She lived at Saugeen for some years and now lives in Toronto.