Themes in Poetry
... becoming aware of his Indian heritage. Through the effective use of vivid imagery, the author conveys his new, understanding knowledge of the warfare and the heroic owl of his heritage. By using colorfully expressive metaphors, Bruchac shows his understanding and his respect of the owl. The owl “waited in the trees outside our village” persistently waiting to help in any way. But, even though the owl “called to wake us [Indians]”, tragedy and despair lay like a blanket over the Indians. As described through a frighteningly powerful metaphor, the “we [Indians] fell, our blood caught in their [white men] dreams” Bruchac displays the disaster that befell his ancestors while artistically creating a connection to them by using the words “we” and “us” to include himself in the heartbreak. With the creative use of emotion throughout the poem, Joseph once again displays his connection, this time with the owl and its purpose. With a newfound pride and respect for his heritage, his “own steps fell open, walking forward into the past forever memory.” With this pride, the author understands that he is the one that will keep the dreams of his heritage alive for the future, just as the owl protected the dreams of the Indians by warning them of danger. “Surely as they did not hear that call from a spirit world”. Those that “did not hear” refers to the author in the past, before he learned of his heritage. Now, to him, his heritage is symbolized as the owl. “others still fear Ko-ko-has, the protector of dreams” as a person woul...