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Martin Mc Carthy's avatar

There is some great wisdom in these reflective pieces by the Native Americans. Thank you for bringing them to us in these memorable translations.

I have always felt that their idea of the 'Great Spirit' and the more Biblical term 'God' are just different ways of describing the great unknowable, so it's interesting to see both terms being used here.

As for wisdom, I think I'll reflect on this Cheyenne Proverb today: 'The heart is our first teacher.' There is a lot to be said for what is felt in the heart to be true and worth keeping.

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Michael R. Burch's avatar

I think these poems and proverbs have "great spirit" even in translation. These are some of my favorite translations since I did them for my father at the end of his life here on earth.

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Michael R. Burch's avatar

I did the "traveler's blessing" translations for my father, Paul Ray Burch Jr., when he chose to stop taking dialysis and enter hospice, so I am thankful to see them published here.

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Martin Mc Carthy's avatar

They are profoundly wise and beautiful, so I'm glad to see them here also.

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Michael R. Burch's avatar

I think there is both beauty and wisdom in the Native American poems and proverbs, and most readers probably haven't seen them, so thanks to David Gosselin for publishing them. We poets owe him a lot for his efforts on behalf of the fairest Muse, and readers also.

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John Martin's avatar

I really appreciate this. And heartily endorse everything Martin has said. These are wonderful! Every word is refulgant with memorable wisdom. And their notion of God very similar to my own. (Insofar as I have one.)

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Michael R. Burch's avatar

This is a new Native American poetry translation:

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Dream Song of the Thunders

Chippewa saying

translation/interpretation by Michael R. Burch

-------------------------------------------------------------

Sometimes I bemoan my “plight”

when all the while the wind bears me

across the immense sky.

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Michael R. Burch's avatar

This is a new Native American poetry translation:

-------------------------------------------------------

Dream Song of the Thunders

Chippewa saying

translation/interpretation by Michael R. Burch

-------------------------------------------------------

Sometimes I bemoan my “plight”

when all the while the wind bears me

across the immense sky.

Expand full comment
Michael R. Burch's avatar

I have recently added this Native American translation:

Dream Song of the Thunders

Chippewa saying

loose translation/interpretation by Michael R. Burch

----------------------------------------

Sometimes I bemoan my “plight”

when all the while

the wind bears me across the immense sky.

Expand full comment