native american writers

Friday Five: Q&A with poet Sage Ravenwood (and bonus poem)

‘Ghosts of our emotional discordance following us wherever we go.’

Photo of Sage Ravenwood, a deaf Cherokee poet — Sage Ravenwood

I first encountered the writings of Sage Ravenwood via one of her poems, “Lit Cigarette Summer.” It was published in Scavengers, a literary magazine of Querencia Press, and the opening lines — I wanted a clove cigarette so bad/I could taste it like a dying wish — hooked me immediately, like a nicotine habit. I knew right away that I had to read more from this writer.

Recently, her collection of poems, Everything That Hurt Us Becomes A Ghost, celebrated its one-year anniversary. In this week’s Friday Five, Sage discusses that collection, her philosophy on writing, and more. She also shares the poem, in its entirety, that inspired the book’s title.

Some Indigenous Peoples’ Day reading (with videos)

Today is Indigenous Peoples’ Day in the U.S. It’s celebrated on the second Monday of October, the same date as Columbus Day, to honor the history, culture, and contributions of Native Americans. What better way than to share some of the writings of Native American authors? Here are a few I recommend.