In the picture they hold hands
the younger brother drawing the clasp
toward the warm fire of his heart
The older brother carrying generations
on his frail shoulders, his head cocked in steadiness
Gratitude and loyalty in his iconic Mona Lisa smile
The time of the lone wolf is over
Every Indigenous person hears their grandmother’s cry
and across Turtle Island gently, patiently they show us
Distracted settlers, crippled capitalists and hungry ghosts
how to live with grace and integrity and humility
how to focus on the big picture and the long game
To bend time, not only towards justice
but also towards tenderness and compassion
as they stand in sub zero weather out on the rails
Pia Massie
2020
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