Layli Long Soldier | “Resolution (6)”

In this week's episode of the Get Lit Minute, your weekly poetry podcast, we spotlight the life and work of poet, Layli Long Soldier. She is the author of the chapbook Chromosomory (2010) and the full-length collection Whereas (2017). She has been a contributing editor to Drunken Boat and poetry editor at Kore Press; in 2012, her participatory installation, Whereas We Respond, was featured on the Pine Ridge Reservation. Source

This episode includes a reading of her poem, “Resolution (6)”  featured in our 2023 Get Lit Anthology.

“Resolution (6)”

I too urge the President to acknowledge the wrongs of the United States against Indian tribes in the history of the United States in order to bring healing to this land although healing this land is not dependent never has been upon this President meaning tribal nations and the people themselves are healing this land its waters with or without Presidential acknowledgement they act upon this right without apology–

                                  To speak to law enforcement
these Direct Action Principles
                                  be really clear always ask
have been painstakingly drafted
                                  who what when where why
at behest of the local leadership
                                  e.g. Officer, my name is _________
from Standing Rock
                                  please explain
and are the guidelines
                                  the probable cause for stopping me
for the Oceti Sakowin camp
                                  you may ask
I acknowledge a plurality of ways
                                  does that seem reasonable to you
to resist oppression
                                  don’t give any further info
*
                                  People ask why do you bring up
we are Protectors
                                  so many other issues it’s because
we are peaceful and prayerful
                                  these issues have been ongoing...

Read more in our Get Lit Anthology at www.getlitanthology.org .                                                        

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