Living Nations, Living Words

Diné poet Luci Tapahonso on the Navajo inter-generational storytelling tradition:

“Yes, those days are over;

our childhoods were immersed in ílíígo hané—

Diné stories and songs that were conveyed with delight, reverence,

or sometimes tears. Hané is always bound with comfort.

When the grown-ups began talking, we paused our loud play and tussling

and squeezed in at the table or settled on the floor nearby.

Our visceral need and appreciation for stories took over

as we absorbed the rhythm, pauses, rises and falls in their voices.

Something inside us urged us to remember, not to forget.”

+++

This poem contains footnotes with explanations of the Diné words she uses.

Ilíígo: “An item or idea that is literally and/or figuratively of great value. It is also used to describe a person who is well respected, someone who is dignified.”

Hané: “Stories that are told and retold over generations.”