In the centre of a golden backdrop is a pine tree. Simply painted like I did in my youth with the pine trees back home on Manitoulin Island. This painted was created when writing a journal prompt about a core memory during my childhood. My first thought went to hearing about the creation story during a camping trip with my mom and community, and the following poem about the story from Sky Woman’s perspective:
“Roots.
The light called to me, it was a voice by the roots.
There was no need for persuasion to pursue since I had my curiosity.
So I dug, bit by bit.
The roots seemed to go on forever until it didn’t.
Like my mind I started to slip.
The air was different.
I could feel it surround me, and hear it as clear as the beating heart in my chest.
I thought there was nothing left.
So I closed my eyes and prayed a prayer.
Then I felt a grip on my shoulders and a love so rare.
I opened my eyes and thanked my creator.
They laughed and said that they knew I would windup here.
“Sky woman please don’t be scared!”
“I am not!”
I pleaded but they could read my mind.
“Sky woman you are allowed to follow your instincts and seek after answers you wish to find.”
I started to tear.
I cried and cried and filled up the ocean.
“Sky woman please know that I am not mad-
I simply wasn’t ready to give you my gift!
Nothing that I cannot fix!
Eagle! Turtle! My water friends!
Here are my instructions.
This is where life begins!”
