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Dream
Poem by Avery Hale
Clouds of dust floating in the air
It’s from our feet dancing to a historical beat
The image is spinning, like
I’m on a ride at the fair
It’s because we are imitating
Sacred deities.
​
I turn to my right
& see who is dancing with me
​
a short slender body
painted in white
wooden crowns twirling in the skyline
we are dancing to the beat of the hide skin
furiously
​
Awakened and mistaken
Halfway out of this trailer home
Where was I going to go
Having this mind I’m inclined this is
A case of having no control
As long I am causing no self harm
Avery Hale (Mandan, Hidatsa, San Carlos Apache, & San Felipe Pueblo) is from Fort Berthold Reservation in North Dakota. Avery’s rock and amazing mother Kyonia Hale is married to Jay Hale, Avery’s supportive and loving father. Avery has 5 brothers and sisters, many more in Native terms. Through generations from beginning of existence to war, colonization, disease, bordering schools, addictions, alcoholism, mental illness, and death, Avery is a product of generational love stories, adventures, persistence, triumphs, and traditions. Now 24, his path has lead him to the Institute of American Indian Arts, in Creative Writing. A path to give back.