Maeengan's Wolf Den

What I Like About You

2011-09-12T07:08:00.002-05:00

i like your scent
on my body

i like your taste
on my tongue

i love they way you feel
around me

i love they way
you close your eyes

and bite
your lower lip
when i slide inside you

Your Eyes

2011-09-04T20:39:00.003-05:00

Maeengan

take off your sunglasses

she told me the other day

I want to see your eyes

when I kiss you

I want your eyes

to pull me closer

to your body

where I can feel your arms

around me

I want your eyes

to follow me

where my skin

trembles

at the touch

of your hand

your fingers

and your breath

I want your eyes

to stare deeply

into mine

when my fingers

run through

your hair

I want your eyes

to tell me

that I’m special

that you care

for me

Maeengan

she told me

Maeengan

I want your eyes

to close

beneath my sheets

and your body

is close

to mine

xxx ndn: love and lust in ndn country - Aboriginal Writers' Collective o...

2011-08-31T13:09:00.000-05:00

Black Bird

2011-08-18T11:56:00.005-05:00

Can you fly

your heart

and land it

on my finger

like a black bird?

xxx ndn Book Launch June 29, 2011

2011-06-23T12:09:00.001-05:00

'It's a Beautiful Day' - U2 360 Tour (Winnipeg)

2011-06-01T08:50:00.003-05:00

Frontrunners

2011-05-27T19:30:00.000-05:00

Frontrunners

Maeengan Linklater

They took the Greyhound bus,

they painted

and they conquered

Just a bunch of Indians

who shared

a love

for acrylic

blending colours

on any surface

they could find

in 1967

Norval Morriseau

painted on birchbark

with paints bought

from the Hudson Bay

Jackson Beardy

painted a mural

in the North End

at the Winnipeg and Metis Friendship Centre

where they still play bingo

on a weekly basis

And I’m happy to know

tonight

we celebrate

their works

the lives

they experienced.

and for us

here today

we walk

the path

they created

for us to follow

knowing that

in the early 70’s

they took the Greyhound bus

they painted

and they conquered.

Megwetch

Mindful Together

2011-05-12T10:14:00.000-05:00

When I held you

in my arms

nestled

in you lap

I could feel

your fingers

knead themselves

into my back

While my head

rested

on your chest

You kissed me

A single peck

fluttering

oh, so quickly

and before

you knew it

It was gone

In that moment

you expressed

yourself to me

* * *

I know

the emotions

that lie

between us

and within

are intense

A mixture of fire

soot

and smoke

that sucks

the air

from our lungs

and heart

When our insecurities

get the worst

of who we are

and the fear

strikes a chord

of paralysis

Severing

our connection

Draining

our energy

Suffocating

our love

for each other

* * *

I’m not asking you

to jump

into the ocean

with me

I’m not asking you

to fly

into the air

and cannonball

I’m asking you

to sit

at the end

of the dock

dip

our toes

into water

Mindful

of our presence

Mindful

of our feelings

Mindful

of the moment

Dawn’s Spirit

2011-04-26T11:21:00.001-05:00

She swims

in dharma’s river

kicking her legs

through cool water

keeping her head

above the surface

she thrashes

down the river

mindful of the rocks

of daily rapids

and the under current

threatening

to pull her under

and if you

would ask me

where she is

I would say

and point

with my lips

‘She’s over there

in the water,

leaving marvellous joy

in her wake’

Full Moon by Maeengan Linklater

2011-04-15T11:32:00.001-05:00

When I’m with you

I experience

your full moon

enjoying nature

in all its glory

They say

the full moon

comes every 28 days

but, I don’t think

they have been

exposed to you

in the way

I have

When I look

to your moon

I see the stars

I dance

with those

that have fallen

on to your body

illuminating

the constellation

Pisces

transforming you

into the goddess

Aphrodite

I ask you

point me south

guide me

to the northern star

that will take me home

to you

Allow me

to wrap my arms

around your hips

with my eyes closed

in spiritual bliss

And when

we are done

exhausted

together

I will cherish

our adventure

that excites our bodies

refreshing

our spirits

together

I Love You by Maeengan Linklater

2011-04-05T23:09:00.001-05:00

When we talk

and say goodbye

You’ll say

‘I love you’

and take it back

I know

you love me

love me

Get Fuzzy - Just seeing if this works.

2011-03-13T14:30:00.001-05:00

Sweet Surrender - Sarah McLachlan Winnipeg Concert

2011-03-09T12:14:00.002-06:00

You’ll find me

waving my silk white flag

made from your discarded

articles of clothing

strewn along my floor

you will find me

hiding in a fox hole

with my eyes

peeking above the surface

deep in the bunker

of my down filled comforter

and, you will find me

out of ammunition

but, full of idealism

a prisoner of passion

with my hands held

behind my head

I will tell you

‘Name, rank, and serial number’

when you march me

into the court of righteous morals

and high ethical standards

I will face the magistrate

frowning down at me

I will plead guilty

of crimes of humanity

I will plead guilty of looking for buried treasure

hidden in the earth of your womb

I will plead guilty of falling in love with you

please

my sweet surrender

Ogamas 2009 - Maeengan Linklater

2011-02-17T15:53:00.001-06:00

Ogamas 2009

Why do I get hungover

when I'm surrounded

by Indigenous writers

Indigenous writers

who speak and write words

describing love, loss, passion

and the naughty position

of nocturnal activities

When I'm with Indigenous writers

my lung inflate with cigarette smoke

my liver (God bless its soul)

works overtime

down on the line

filtering whiskey, wine, and Sleeman's Honey Brown

When I'm hungover

I become and old Rolling Stones song

There's no sympathy for this devil

Where did I go wrong?

What did I do to you?

Were you trying to drink me

underneath the table

so I couldn't read tomorrow morning?

Last night

tequila shots

were locked and loaded

like shot gun shells

and blasted

with a 21 gun salute

We laughed over dirty jokes

on how Ojibwe men and women

are the greatest lovers in the world

until I got mad and stated,

'But, it's true.'

We made gossip

over who was sleeping whom

'Did you know, X and Y are fucking each other?'

'Really?'

'Yeah, I heard them the night before.'

And before the night was out

when the sun chased the moon

over the City of Brandon

We cried buckets of tears

lamenting the loss of our last girlfriend

or boyfriend

because we slept with their best friend

2 years ago

at the last

Ogamas Festival

John Butler Trio Concert - November 24, 2010 (Winnipeg, MB)

2010-11-25T17:32:00.004-06:00

last night

I saw you

swaying in your seat

feeling musical notes

tap against your back

I saw your shoulders

roll in circles

float in air

with each cycle

left

right

left

right

exposing your neck

in rhythm to each song

as the beat snaked

up and down

your skin

I saw your

eyes close

a smile tug

at the side

of your mouth

as your head

tilted from

one side

to the other

like ship

at sea

I can still hear echos

of last night's concert

I can still see you

swaying

I can still feel

the notes

sink inside me.

besides you

Ocean Pearl

2010-11-14T16:56:00.002-06:00

I was wondering

if you wanted

to go swimming

in clear water

where the sun

glints off

each wave

I would dive

into the ocean

feeling water

clean my skin

stroking deeply

towards the bottom

Where I would

rub my fingers

along the ribbed pattern

of the ocean floor

until I found

that special pearl

I would bring it

to the surface

mindful of the current

and simmering tremors

that occur beneath

the gentle waves

And when that pearl

is exposed to the surface

I would polish it

until the last wave

has washed upon

the shore

Morning Dew

2010-09-24T18:33:00.000-05:00

The morning sun

pokes her head

over your covers

nudging me

on the shoulder

slowly waking me up

my body stretches

across your bed

as I feel your lips

plant themselves on mine

And we danced

across the morning

where the fragrance

of your morning dew

makes me high

when I’m with you

Remember our first night

you told me

we should only be friends

you pulled me closer

encouraged by red wine

strokes across your back

when we connected

below the waist

you welcomed me

to the next day

Where we danced

across the morning

where the fragrance

of your morning dew

made me high

when I was with you

And if we should

say goodbye

let our memories

flutter to the ground

I would remember

our time together

through the good times

and the bad

especially your lips

and your gentle hands

As we danced

across the morning

where the fragrance

of your morning dew

made me high

when I was with you

Love Part II - Maeengan Linklater

2010-09-16T10:37:00.001-05:00

When you said

you loved me

again

I believed you

Summer morning silent

gentle wind

rippling through trees

against ocean blue sky

we lie together

quiet

catching our breath

allowing out heartbeats

slow down from a gallop

to a slow graze

I love you too

I said it

and I believed it

at that moment

it was real

it was you

and only you

I held you

in my arms felt your words

sink into my hear

and I glowed

nothing feels so good

as love

nothing in this world

can take you as far

and high

as love

When you see it

you grab it

take care of it

nurture it

with gentle hands

love thy neighbor

love thy woman

love thy self

Because when I was with you

silent morning summer

you told me

and told no one else

I love you.

Gentle Slope - Maeengan Linklater

2010-09-10T11:09:00.000-05:00

Last evening

when I came

into you home

loaded

with peanut sauce

spring rolls

and a bottle

of Arabella

I was bouncing

A basketball

inspired by the thought

of spending time

in your presence

the smile

you give me

when I have goodies

for you

I was happy

last evening

to slow things down

spend time

in slow motion

because it was

what I asked you

the day before

when you said ‘yes’

I was happy

to cook for you

share a bottle of wine

to be fed

spoonfuls

of creme brulee

by you

I was happy

when you burrowed yourself

in my lap

after you said,

“But, only for two minutes”

and you spent twenty

nestled beside me

Let’s continue

keeping things light

enjoy the gentle slope

where we can dance

Together

with glowing smiles

tender hugs

and cozy snuggles

as you slowly

unfold yourself to me

with each sprinkle of water

I share with you

As I have

This past week

2010-08-31T10:11:00.001-05:00

Ahkee (Reprise)

Maeengan Linklater

The other day

when you told me

your insecurities

of your self-image

I will tell you

what I see

what I feel

and this is what

I experience

the tenderness

of your touch

the feel

of your hair

when you snug

against my body

the curve

on your hip

when I slide

my hand

down towards

your cheek below

your waist

the prickle against

the palm of my hand

when I

caress

your calve

down to your thigh

and up towards

the streaks

across your stomach

where you held

your daughter

for 9 months

20 years ago

When I look at you

I see

the crow’s feet

at the side

of your eyes

like tracks

left

in the snow

the strands

of white

beginning

to appear

in the sandy blonde ray

of your mane

like the stars

in the evening sky

the shadows

below your eyes

that tell me

“Take care of me,

I’ve had a bad week.”

And anybody

will tell you

what you already know

The sparkle

in your eyes

the smile that stretches

across the sky

I want you to know

When I look at you

I appreciate

the details

of your insecurities

I see

the perfection

of a body

that has lived life

through 40 seasons.

so the next time

you look at yourself

in the mirror

I hope

you remember

my words

for who you are

The Earth

I have respected

The Earth

I have come to know

Ahkee

When We First Met

2010-08-20T09:42:00.000-05:00

Maeengan Linklater

August 17, 2010

When we first met

you sang me a song to me

It meant a lot

Even though

I was hungover

and you

were still high

When I got home

I played your song

over

and over

It made me smile

and think about

our moment together

I didn’t think

you would call

or leave a note

But, when I saw you

The other day

I saw you

need a friend

and I was there

when you needed help

All because

You sang a song for me

Saskatoon Aboriginal Day 2007

2009-09-19T14:23:00.001-05:00

The town

we painted

a deep bright red

Running with tequila

sinking highballs

in an ocean of green

Dancing with Wolf

surrounded

by white skin

Until the last song

Until the last call

Disappearing

over the curb

into the night.

Beautiful damn spot

2009-09-10T09:59:00.001-05:00

Beautiful damn spot

tattooed on my neck

engraved in passion’s moment

last night

or was it

early this morning?

Yesterday

neon lights fluttered

sparkled

around your body

exhaled cigarette smoke

draped over your shoulders

Tequila conversation

veered from your eyes

to your smile

down towards

exposed skin

above your cleavage

“Want to listen to tunes at my place?”

“You have anything to drink?”

“Yeah.”

“Let’s catch a cab.”

“Alright.”

I want you

after last call

I want you

before sunrise

I want you

again

Indian Militants (and their bills to pay)

2009-08-16T18:33:00.002-05:00

30 years ago
the North End simmered
with Indian militants
who had bills to pay
and a movement to create

They were going to change the world
fight for Indian rights
Indian treaties

They burned sweet-grass
marched in the streets
thundered their drums
to the government

"The 'White Paper'
is for the White Man,
The Red Man needs a red road!"
they shouted

The government responded
created economic development corporations
tribal councils
and political organizations

And in the end
the Indian militants
recieved jobs
from these corporations
and were able to pay their bills

You Loved Me At My Worst

2009-08-16T16:19:00.000-05:00

'Nuff said

Have You Hugged an Indian Today?

2009-08-16T16:13:00.002-05:00

Have you hugged an Indian today?
that's my question to you
we pass each other everyday
when you're on your way to work
passing me like I'm part
of the scenery
where I'm having a smoke
bumming change
passed out on the street

Letting You Go

2009-08-16T15:54:00.002-05:00

I'm going to let you go
I'm going to grab our memories
that love off the floor
I'm going to wrap it in my arms
take it outside
where the wind is blowing
the first snowflakes
across sleeping praire fields
I'm going to feel
that love grow cold
in my arms
I'm going to brush
its hair from its face
and with my hand
close its eyes to sleep
I'm going to offer tobacco
let the wind
carry that love
from my arms
where it mixes
with the snow
and my medicine
leaving me
with emptiness
my Shunyata

Small Town, USA

2009-08-16T15:49:00.002-05:00

I saw the stars in Fargo
twinkling in your eyes
down on Main Street
where we ate fajitas
and drank margaritas
at Juano's Mexican Restaurant
downtown

Insecurities

2009-08-16T13:39:00.002-05:00

Thoughts rain down
over my body
seeping through cracks
in the wall
to the floor
sinking to Earth

I can feel
her moving
slowly
with subtle tremors
of butterfly wings
creating hurricanes
with my insecurities

Poem Written on Jacket of Book for AJ's Road Trip 2007

2009-08-16T13:35:00.002-05:00

Road trip reading
to be enjoyed
between
valleys, lakeshores
and inukshuks
built along
the highway.

Sioux Lookout, Ontario 1979

2009-08-15T11:27:00.002-05:00

Small town Sioux
the entire world
to my eyes
5 years old
1979
where everything
was one big wow

Walking down
Front Street
the looooongest one block
in the world
huffing
puffing
to get to
the Whistle Stop
in the Sioux Hotel

I would eat
the house special
chicken in a basket
a gold mine of flavour
campared to fried Klik
on the rez

Sioux Lookout, Ontario
to a 5 year old
from Lac Seul First Nation
was an adventure

Lac Seul's First Phone Call from Kejick Bay

2009-08-15T11:07:00.002-05:00

I remember at home
in the bush
one phone
for 300 hundred people
to share including
the Chief and Council

I remember
power generators
watching the Disney hour
Sunday evening
at my cousin's
running
out of gas
halfway
sitting
in the dark

"Who's turn is it to fill it up?"

I remember
outhouses
minus 50 blowing snow
frozen shit exposing
your ass
on frozen wood
Thinking

"It's better than mosquitos in the summer"

I remember
float planes
metal otters
beavers
cessna's
gliding in from town
doing the milk run
delivering mail

Why do I remember
the first phone call
Lac Seul landlocked

But now
we have one phone
connected
to the outside world

Able to connect
to relatives
living off reserve
call in the medivac
when needed
and the Chief and Council
can arrange their meetings
collect their per diems
and all that stuff

So much important matters
related to that
one phone

But, the first call?
for a reserve with
no road access
no electricity
no plumbing

For 300 people
who came together
as a community
Chipping in
taxi cab fare and
the cost of a plane ride
from Sioux Lookout Ontario
30 minutes out

From the Mayfair Theatre
to Lac Seul First Nation
a fried chicken delivery order
for 300 people
the first phone call

Saturday Night

2009-08-15T10:53:00.002-05:00

last saturday night
we unfolded our bodies
to each other
where my dreams
embraced yours
in the presence
of the moon
balanced
in the night

Breath - Maeengan Linklater

2008-10-14T13:47:00.003-05:00

It's good
to be mindful
of your breath
in life and death
from the turbulant
joy of birth
when you escape
into the world
from your mother's womb

Breathing
is your silent companion
never judging
the decisions
you have made
experiencing
the impacts of your relations

In the twilight
of your life
and reflections
your breathing
becomes
shallower
shallower
shallower

Dancing in my heart

2008-09-09T19:18:00.001-05:00

You dance
in my heart
to your own
rhythm
and beat
dancing
with happiness
bringin me
joy

Indigenous Kootenays

2008-09-09T19:13:00.002-05:00

In the Kootenays
surrounded
by mountains
shadowing
over me

When I’m here
a giant foot
will crash down
covering me

In sand
suffocating
my lungs
slicing
my body
with jagged rock
leaving my pulse
to fade away
bleeding
with this
new mountain range

I’m going
to hear
generations
of blond children
looking
for remains
of peace
order
and
good government

My spirit
is going to rise
float through cracks
inching higher
towards the top
I’m going
to wake spirits
of dead Indians
buried underneath
Kaslo
Nelson
and, Castlegar

Telling them

“It’s okay
time to go
back home”

I’m going
to see them
spawn
generations
of Indians

Indigenous
Kootenays

Reborn
in these mountains

Reborn
without land claims

Reborn
in their territory

When
we’re at the top
of the mountain
at night
we’ll look down
at their fires
sparkling
like diamonds
in summer’s dew
knowing
in the morning
the spirit world
will blanket
the earth

We’ll wake up
where the clouds
kiss the mountain tops
in morning mist

I’ll say
goodbye
to my body
buried
in the mountain
look forward
to my life
anew

Wallet Photograph - Maeengan Linklater

2008-08-04T10:25:00.001-05:00

if I give you
a photograph
of me
would you
place me
in your wallet?
keep me warm
when you sit down?

Colonized Spirits - PTSD

2008-08-04T10:20:00.002-05:00

Cobblestone sidewalks
bleeding
Indian spirit

Colonized
by pavement
over sand
footprints
bones

Lurking
in shadows
looking at
white people
dreaming

Indians
can’t dream
blocked
by orange
street lights
humming

Smothered
bent over
cop cars
street corners
with pants
down to ankles

Take my children

Again

Turn them
into you

Full of social justice
with god
by their side
in a land
of opportunity

Imagine - Maeengan Linklater

2008-08-04T10:18:00.001-05:00

Imagine
my heart
in your palm
again

Innocent
freshly
laid snow
from winter’s storm
melting close
to your body

I would
listen
to your heartbeat
dance
with your shadow
in the hallway
of our memories

Little Cub with his Little Fangs - Maeengan Linklater

2008-07-09T11:01:00.003-05:00

I can see you

Sneaking
in the grass
your tail
dancing
in the wind
through blades
of green

I’m stretched out
yawning
in summer’s breeze
eyes
barely open
dreaming of wild game
open sky

You’re getting closer
getting ready
your fur
stands at attention
one pounce
one kill

You fly
through the air
claws extended
a cub’s roar

You tumble
with your prey
tangled
in daddy’s tail
growling

Little cub

I’m proud
of you
and your little fangs

Ocean - Maeengan

2008-07-07T11:24:00.001-05:00

I'm in love
with you
breathing air
at the surface
floating
in your ocean

Spirit World Dream by Maeengan Linklater

2008-06-11T15:19:00.002-05:00

at night
sleeping soundly
holding hands
breathing in rhythm
sharing the same dream
in the spirit world
i touch my image
reflected in you
holding your flame
heating my womb
giving birth to you
for when we wake up
drinking from summer’s dawn
would we recall
our moment
together?

Juicy by Maeengan Linklater

2008-05-23T21:59:00.000-05:00

I find you juicy
Sweet
Delectable
To eat

Allowing fingers
To soak
With
An ice cream tongue

Creating waves
Ripples
Bathing me
In your joy

Untitled (Acrilyc 30"x24")

2008-03-18T19:14:00.000-05:00

Urban Teachings II (Acrilyc 36"x16")

2008-03-18T19:13:00.001-05:00

Urban Teachings III (Acrilyc 36"x16")

2008-03-18T19:06:00.000-05:00

Mother Earth

2008-03-03T13:56:00.001-06:00

I’m an Indian
Trying to wrap his braids
Around Portage and Main
Winnipeg, Manitoba

I stand at the corner
The wind blows my hair
Whipping strands like a hurricane

I’m blinded
By the sun reflecting
Off the windows of buildings
Scrapping jagged scars
Into the sky
Bleed down
On to the sidewalk

I fall to my knees
Place my ear on the cement
Trying to hear
You heartbeat
Instead

I hear
Steel pipes clanging
Hissing
Digging their claws
Into your skin
Penetrating deeper
Releasing
Sewage
Into your skin

Unseen
Ignored
By white eyeballs
Who look at you
As an Indian prostitute
Willing to go down
For $20 bucks a hit

I want to hold you
In my arms
Allow my body
Turn to dust
Letting wild wind
Carry my remains
Like dandelions seeds
Unto the Earth

But, there’s this city
Crawling over your skin
Disallowing you
Fresh air
To breath
Disallowing you
sunlight
and honey brown skin

If I could
I would take you back
Where you belong
In legends passed
From generation to generation
I would take you back
Where you would be free
To lay underneath stars and northern lights
I would take you back
Where you would be loved
For the nourishment you give
And celebrated for each birth
That happens in spring

Mother Earth

I love you

Urban Teachings (36" x 18")

2008-01-04T10:22:00.000-06:00

This is a larger piece in 'letterbox' format. I sometimes think about stories of thunderbirds in my reserve, and I thought about how thunderbirds would look near a city.

Ahkee (Acrilyc 20" x 16")

2008-01-01T22:36:00.000-06:00

Ahkee

I did write

about you

as Mother Earth

I thought about

the one place

I respect

Earth Mother

home

Obishikokaang

I didn't mean

for you to hear

my words

as you did

I thought I hid them

in northern lights

under fresh snow

Ahkee

* This is my homage to Frida Kahlo. I saw her art exhibit at the Walker Art Gallery in Minneapolis this Christmas. I wrote a poem called 'Ahkee', and I decided to paint around the poem.

The 4 Colours on a Bed of Moss (Acrilyc 30" x 10")

2007-12-31T09:50:00.000-06:00

Just having fun with this painting.
Was wanting to experiment with a bit of expressionism.

Afterwork (acrilyc 20"x16")

2007-12-20T11:49:00.000-06:00

When I'm walking home from downtown, and the sun is setting, you can see the outline of buildings against the sky. That's what I get and see.

Birth Dream - Maeengan Linklater

2007-11-27T06:47:00.000-06:00

Last night
I had
a dream

A
turbulent
birth
of a baby
girl

Outside
in the cold
alone

Surrounded
by naked
trees
leafless

It was mine

I wrapped her
in cloth

To keep her warm
To keep her alive

Swirling Flower (Acrilyc 20" x 16")

2007-11-25T21:02:00.000-06:00

City Bear (Acrilyc 20" x 16")

2007-11-23T11:48:00.000-06:00

Birth of a Brand New Day (Part II)

2007-11-23T11:47:00.000-06:00

I think
the universe
is telling you
something

I was told
last week
Wednesday

I’ve been
feeling
beyond
my control

Being funneled
towards tomorrow
unable
to stop
disappearing
moonlight

A Humbling Experience - Maeengan Linklater

2007-11-23T11:46:00.000-06:00

A humbling
experience
having
to look
At yourself
with nobody
to hold
your hand

Peeling away
skin
flesh
bone
allowing layers
floating
to the ground
like leaves
in the fall

Pine Trees (Acrilyc 20" x 16")

2007-11-16T10:14:00.000-06:00

I'm Home - Maeengan Linklater

2007-11-15T10:14:00.000-06:00

I’m home

It’s been
a long time
since
I’ve seen you

I can see you
sleeping
covered
in a blanket
of snow

I’m going
to wash myself
in the moonlight

Wash away
the city smell
and join you

I can feel
stars
sprinkle down
on my face

Feeling
the wind
whisper
on my skin
cleanly

Wrapped
in a robe
of Northern Lights
warm

When
I last
saw you
you kissed
my lips
goodbye

Going back
to the city

I’m home
again

Can you feel?

My body
next
to yours?

My hand
holding
yours?

For when
you wake
in the spring
morning

I’ll be there
watching
the sun
warm
your face
and your
eyes open

And
I’ll
be there
waiting
to feel
your warmth

Out in the Bush (Acrilyc 20" x 16")

2007-11-13T10:01:00.000-06:00

Home - Lac Suel First Nation (Acrilyc 20" x 16")

2007-11-13T09:59:00.000-06:00

Muskeg Trees - Maeengan Linklater

2007-11-09T08:00:00.000-06:00

Pine trees
dried out
dead

Huddled together
in the distance
whispering
to each other
a graveyard

Deathly white
unburied skeletons
leaning slightly
their roots
sunk
deep
in muskeg

Sheltering
birds
bugs
life

Moon at Dusk (20"x16)

2007-11-05T18:37:00.000-06:00

I love looking at the moon when it pops out when the sun has dissappeared over the horizan.

Highway Sign (20"x20")

2007-11-05T09:30:00.000-06:00

When, I'm speeding down the highway, you can see highway signs warning you to slow down otherwise you might hit a moose. I kinda got to thinking, how would it look if you had one for Indians.

Evening City (20"x16")

2007-11-05T09:27:00.000-06:00

City in Four Colours (30" x 24")

2007-10-17T14:51:00.000-05:00

Flowers and Ferns (20"x16")

2007-10-15T20:28:00.000-05:00

I wanted to paint ferns, and I didn't know how I was going to do so, so this was fun to paint.

Flowers and TwoButterflies (24" x 30")

2007-10-10T09:02:00.000-05:00

The second painting that I finished in working with a larger canvess area. It's about double the surface area that I have been working with, and this was alot of fun and challenge in working with. Originally, I was goind to have three flowers and to make it balanced, but I decided to add the other flower in the corner for the fun of it.

Flower #1 (Acrilyc 20" x 16")

2007-09-28T12:34:00.000-05:00

Flower #2 (Acrilyc 20" x 16")

2007-09-28T12:32:00.001-05:00

Flower and Butterfly (Acrilyc 20" x 16")

2007-09-28T12:29:00.000-05:00

Daisy (Acrilyc 20" x 16")

2007-09-28T12:27:00.000-05:00

My First Attempt at Painting a Dandelion (Acrilyc 20" x 16")

2007-09-28T12:25:00.000-05:00

Don't Reach for the Northern Lights (Acrilyc 20" x 16")

2007-09-28T12:23:00.000-05:00

My First Landscape (Acrilyc 20" x 16")

2007-09-28T12:21:00.000-05:00

Have You Hugged an Indian Today? (Acrilyc 20" x 16")

2007-09-28T12:19:00.000-05:00

Skyline Daybreak (Acrilyc 20"ish x 15"ish)

2007-09-28T12:17:00.000-05:00

City in Balance (Acrilyc 20" x 16")

2007-09-28T12:15:00.000-05:00

Anishinaabe Man - Self-Portrait (Acrilyc 20" x 16")

2007-09-28T12:13:00.000-05:00

Self Portrait (Acrilyc 20" x 16")

2007-09-28T12:08:00.000-05:00

Walking Together

2007-06-18T20:05:00.000-05:00

I was thinking
do you want
to walk
the Earth
together?

We’d have to
make sure
we have
good shoes

Enough water
to drink
along
the way

And, food
to last
the journey

I’d like
to walk
down a
dirt trail
snaking
back and forth
beside
a lake

So, when
the sun
smiles on our backs

we will
sink below
the water line
refreshed
to continue
walking

I know a place
I want
to share
with you
that you
have never
been to
before
with me

It’s going
to take
the day
to walk there

I’d be happy
to listen
to you
teaching me
about the plants
roots
along the
path

I’d be happy
to share with you
stories
taught
to me

So, that
when we reach
our destination

I know who you are
and you know
who I am

As the sun sets
and you are warm
nestled
within my arms
as we disappear
into the stars
above the Earth

Rain Drops

2007-06-18T20:04:00.000-05:00

Rain drops
floating
soft rhythm
drumming

Lips connecting
melancholy embrace

Leaves unfolding
digging
deep roots

I stand alone
though summer drought
knowing
rain will fall again

A Loon Call Echo and Fading Memories

2007-04-29T13:43:00.000-05:00

At dusk
When the sky
Is a canvass
Of purple, pink, and red

I can hear
A loon call echo
In the traditional territory
Of the Anishinabe people

It fades away
Hiding in lakeshore bays
Muskeg
And rivers

Cradling
Drum beats
Of two hearts
And my recollections

If you could
Feel my memories

What would you say?

After we met
On Sunday afternoon

Reflecting
Three years passing
Our relationship
Frozen in the month of December

I still remember you

Emerald Spirits - Maeengan Linklater

2007-04-25T10:03:00.000-05:00

As a child,
In winter’s night
Devoid of cloud
Blowing snow
With hidden moon

I could touch
The stars
Listen to whispered legends
Swaying at the tip
Of pine shadows
Outlined
Against emerald
Northern lights
Unfolding
And streaking
Across the northern sky

Walking home
With mom
Crunching snow
With feet
Holding hands

“Don’t point at the Northern Lights!”
She would say,

“How come?”
“Those are spirits
Who’ll take your hand
And, take you away from me.”

“Oh.”

But, those stars
Are close tonight
Waiting to be picked
Sparking temptation
To a child
Who never knew
Until tonight
About the emerald spirits
In his homeland

What's My Name?

2007-02-05T10:00:00.000-06:00

My
Attempt
Emulates,
Emotional
Nirvana,
Gingerly
Attempting
Nouveau

Haiku at Dawn

2006-11-20T12:15:00.000-06:00

Dawn
Eyes closed
Skin turning red
Breathing harder
Released

Thinking of You (Fingers wondering aimless along computer keyboard)

2006-11-20T11:54:00.000-06:00

I was thinking
Of writing
A sex-drenched poem
Soaked in the juices
Of your love
From last Friday night

I was thinking
Of words
Describing flesh, tongues
And nails
Creating pleasure
Of intoxicating descriptions
Lit by candles in your living room

I was thinking
Really
(Believe me)
I was thinking
Of your ankles on my shoulders

But, I thought of you
This morning
Brushing away your hair
Your head on my shoulder
Wanting to be held

I thought of you
Listening
Supporting
Accepting you

And I thought of you
As my friend
Lover
Between passion and solitude
We can enjoy each others company

Spirit Companion

2006-11-20T11:23:00.000-06:00

I pray to you
At the shrine
Between your legs

Our skin
Blending
Sun gold
Indian red

Disrobed
And curled
In the pleasure
Of our touch
Tickling our nerve endings

Your heart beat
Thunders
Through my body
As I hold
Your spirit
Water in my hands

My fingers
Warm your body
Candles that light
Your skin
To reveal
My spirit companion

* my first attempt at Dharma poetry

Eagle Spirit (and My Time to Try and Love Again)

2006-10-04T13:21:00.000-05:00

I’m rushing around
Scurrying about
Driving in the fast lane
Getting things right

My love nest is almost ready

I haven’t seen you in a month
Connected only to your voice
Touching your body
In the left over memories
Of our first date

These echoing images
Keep me warm
On the lonely
Crazy
Crazy
Nights
In my empty bed

Your flight from Calgary
Arrives at the Winnipeg International Airport
In 2 ½ hours

I’ve been fluffing up pillows
Airing out blankets
Arranging the lights
To get that tequila sunrise afterglow

I’m ready for your arrival

On our first date
I held your hand
As our conversation
Bounced around
Like a pinball

Until it flowed
Into a peaceful
Easy feeling.

Your drove me home
And with a smile on your face
Told me

‘I’m not leaving without a kiss’

Our tongues
Tied themselves together
Like snakes in a ball
As your body
Disappeared into my arms

I asked you

‘Do you want to come in?’

You agreed and added

‘But, no sex’

Afterwards
Your head was resting on my chest
Our sweat mixed together
Evaporating
Into the rhythm of our heartbeat
That rang for three years

Your flight has arrived

We’re heading back to my place
Our fingers dance together
Undressing each other
In the nonchalant questions
Of your journey back to Winnipeg.

The time between my front door
And our skin rubbing together
Is the length
I give you
The best of my love

I trace my finger
Down your back
Outlining river ways
And dark dessert highways
That we would travel

And at the end
In the last resort
I wish you peace

I Kiss Your Lips

2006-09-18T10:48:00.000-05:00

When I’m nestled
between your legs
I flick my tongue
a feather
that tickles your inner thighs

I kiss your lips

Your legs rest
upon my shoulders
I slide my hands
along your belly
traveling north
till they reach the base of your breasts

I kiss your lips

My fingers inch
towards your nipples
as you arch your back
and moan
and moan
and moan

I kiss your lips

I am ready

Your heart beat is in rhythm
as my hips crash into yours
like waves on a rocky shore

I am yours

You kiss my lips

My Life as a Bannock Loaf

2006-08-17T12:20:00.000-05:00

By Maeengan Linklater

I enjoy being a piece of bannock
Fried in a pool of cooking oil
In a large cast iron frying pan
On the shores of an unknown lake
In North Western Ontario

I can smell
Burning pieces of driftwood
Surrounded
By a circle of granite
In a pit
Dug for fire

I am slathered
In margarine, peanut butter, strawberry jam
And speckled in ash
That runs down your forearm

As you take me into your mouth
And wash me down
With a cup of black Red Rose tea
That has been steeping for hours

I may not be healthy
But, I am yummy
And best enjoyed
At the crack of dawn
In the territory
Of the Anishinaabe people.

The Birth of a New Day

2006-07-20T12:49:00.000-05:00

I find you,
Wrapped around me
Connected below the waist.

Clench my back
And dig towards my heart
To find out
Who I am

Would you be afraid to follow me?
If you found out
Who I was?

I am Ojibway

A man of the Earth
My feet planted in the city

You breathe is hard upon my ear
Unexpressed whispers hidden
Between bites on my neck

I’m close to you
Closer then you want

Who would I find?
If I slowly went a little deeper
And unfolded you
Towards the birth of a new day

Hugs

2006-07-19T17:23:00.000-05:00

Dad!
Yeah, bud?
Can you help me?
Sure.

I sit beside you
Place my arm around you
And realize

You didn’t need help
You just wanted a hug.

Ex-councillor urging natives to run for office

2006-06-20T19:55:00.000-05:00

Fri Jun 16 2006 By Mary Agnes Welch

THE city's first aboriginal city councillor is on a crusade to find more native candidates willing to run in this fall's civic election. If he can't, George Munroe says he may just run again himself.
Munroe, a city councillor for a term in the early 1970s, said he's begun beating the bushes for young activists willing to run in the city's three inner-city seats -- Daniel McIntyre, Mynarski and Point Douglas.

"I always kind of hoped that I opened the door for more aboriginal people to get involved in municipal politics but we kind of dropped the ball there," said Munroe, who is now active with the Aboriginal Council of Winnipeg. "We keep recycling the same old people time and time again. I'm hoping some young person with enthusiasm and passion will throw their hat in the ring."

There are at least 60,000 aboriginal people in Winnipeg and Munroe said they need a voice at city hall, especially since many councillors tend to worry most about business interests and the suburbs.

He also said city hall deals directly with panhandling, gangs and drugs -- visible problems many Winnipeggers associate with aboriginal people but that don't necessarily reflect the progress they've made.

Former St. Boniface Coun. Dan Vandal, who is Metis, is expected to attempt to recapture his old seat. Chris Henderson, now the grand chief of the Southern Chiefs Organization, ran for mayor four years ago but won just 3.5 per cent of the vote.

Young, aboriginal activists eyeing future political careers include Maeengan Linklater, who works for the Urban Native Housing Association and ran unsuccessfully for school trustee four years ago, and Aboriginal Council board member Don Smith.

Nahanni Fontaine, director of justice for the Southern Chiefs Organization, has also thought often of running for council, though she said she's daunted by the obstacles.

maryagnes.welch@freepress.mb.ca

Maeengan waiting for the bus . . .

2006-05-30T00:01:00.000-05:00

Just me, waiting for the bus!

Maeengan Recording the Sound of 'Wind'

2006-05-29T23:59:00.000-05:00

This is me recording the sound of 'wind' out in the badlands of South Dakota.

Maeengan Driving a Boat

2006-05-29T23:57:00.000-05:00

This is me, driving a boat on my reserve of Lac Seul First Nation in North Western Ontario. I love sinking my feet in the sand when I'm back home.

Maeengan Kicks Ass!

2006-05-29T23:54:00.000-05:00

This is pretty self-explanetory as to what I think of First Nations people in Turtle Island!

Maeengan on the White House lawn in Washington D.C

2006-05-29T23:52:00.000-05:00

This was an awesome road trip! Always wanted to hang out in Washington D.C.

Maeengan at Wounded Knee

2006-05-29T23:50:00.000-05:00

I remember reading 'Bury my heart at Wounded Knee' as a teenager, and so, it was an honor to offer tobacco when I found myself at Wounded Knee.

Just Maeengan

2006-05-29T23:48:00.000-05:00