pls help me wth the pem..."they tell me i am lost" by maurice kenny. i am in desperate need of the poem and secondary material...pls

from this site: [biro.bemidjistate.edu] />
They Tell Me I am Lost by Maurice Kenny

This poem with its numerous metaphors symbolizes several different aspects of Native American culture. I think the metaphors illustrate their undying respect for nature and Mother Earth. I also believe the metaphors represent their circular belief that everything is somehow connected.

though I hide in a shack, a prison
though I hide in a word, a law
though I hide in a glass of beer
or high on steel girders over the city
or in the slums of that city”
These lines jump out at me because they bring to mind all the common stereotypes about Native Americans. I think the change from my chant to I am following these lines is a challenge by the speaker to these stereotypes. It is as if he’s saying, “Look here at what I am! I am not everyone may think. I am so much more.” This poem is a voice for all Native Americans to be proud of their heritage and who they are.

Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 07/31/2008 11:11AM by JohnnyBoy.