As wampums to the Redman, so to the Poet are his songs; chiselled alike from that which is the purest of his possessions, woven alike with meaning into belt and book, fraught alike with the corresponding message of peace, the breathing of tradition, the value of more than coin, and the seal of fellowship with all men.

So do I offer this belt of verse-wampum to those two who have taught me most of its spirit—my Mother, whose encouragement has been my mainstay in its weaving; my Father, whose feet have long since wandered to the Happy Hunting Grounds.

E. P. J.

CONTENTS

Page
[Ojistoh][1]
[As Red Men Die][4]
[The Pilot of the Plains][7]
[The Cattle Thief][11]
[A Cry from an Indian Wife][16]
[Dawendine][19]
[Wolverine][24]
[The Vagabonds][30]
[The Song my Paddle Sings][32]
[The Camper][35]
[At Husking Time][36]
[Workworn][37]
[Easter][39]
[Erie Waters][41]
[The Flight of the Crows][43]
[Moonset][46]
[Marshlands][47]
[Joe][48]
[Shadow River][50]
[Rainfall][52]
[Under Canvas][53]
[The Birds’ Lullaby][55]
[Overlooked][57]
[Fasting][59]
[Christmastide][63]
[Close by][65]
[The Idlers][67]
[At Sunset][70]
[Penseroso][72]
[Re-Voyage][74]
[Brier][76]
[Wave-Won][77]
[The Happy Hunting Grounds][80]
[In the Shadows][82]
[Nocturne][85]
[My English Letter][87]

OJISTOH

I am Ojistoh, I am she, the wife
Of him whose name breathes bravery and life
And courage to the tribe that calls him chief.
I am Ojistoh, his white star, and he
Is land, and lake, and sky—and soul to me.