Luci Tapahonso
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Being born is not the beginning.
Life begins months before the time of birth.Inside the mother, the baby floats in warm fluid,
and she is careful not to go near noisy or evil places.
She will not cut meat or take part in the killing of food.
Navajo babies were always protected in these ways.The baby is born and cries out load,
and the mother murmurs and nurtures the baby.
A pinch of pollen on the baby's tongue
for strong lungs and steady growth.
The belly button dries and falls off.
It is buried near the house so the child
will always return home and help the mother.
It has been this way for centuries among us.Much care is taken to shape the baby's head well
and to talk and sing to the baby softly in the right way.
It has been this way for centuries among us.The baby laughs aloud and it is celebrated with rock salt,
lots of food, and relatives laughing.
Everyone passes the baby around.
This is so the child will always be generous,
will always be surrounded by happiness,
and will always be surrounded by lots of relatives.
It has been this way for centuries among us.The child starts school and leaves with a pinch of pollen
on top of her head and on her tongue.
This is done so the child will think clearly,
listen quietly, and learn well away from home.
The child leaves home with prayers and good thoughts.
It has been this way for centuries among us.This is how we were raised.
We were raised with care and attention
because it has always been this way.
It has worked well for centuries.-
You are here.
Your parents are here.
Your relatives are here.
We are all here together.
and our own lives as Navajos we carry with us all the time.
It has been this way for centuries among us.
It has been this way for centuries among us.
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You are here.
From Sáanii Dahataa
The Women Are Singing
by Luci Tapahonso, University of Arizona Press.
© 1993 Luci Tapahonso