by Rosanna Deerchild (Cree)
Annotations:
[1]
- on my first day of kindergarten - Sets the scene, a significant moment in a child’s life, marking a transition to a new environment and experience.
- mama weaves two braids - Introduces the central image of the poem, the braids, and the loving act of the mother braiding her child’s hair. Braids often symbolize cultural identity and connection, particularly for Indigenous women.
[5]
- so tightly as if they will never let go - Conveys the mother’s desire to protect her child and keep her close as she enters a new and potentially challenging environment. It might also allude to the historical context of Indigenous children being taken away to residential schools.
- too tight i fuss pull at my temples - Shows the child’s discomfort and resistance to the tightness of the braids, a natural reaction but also possibly symbolic of a struggle with identity or expectations.
- she loosens 2 stitches - Demonstrates the mother’s attentiveness and responsiveness to her child’s needs, balancing protectiveness with understanding.
[10]
- spit shines them into long perfect arrows - Creates a vivid image of the braids being carefully styled. The “arrows” imagery could suggest direction, purpose, or a sense of moving forward.
- wraps and wraps tips into exclamation points memories - The repetition of “wraps” emphasizes the care and attention put into the braiding. The “exclamation points” suggest the significance of the moment and the memories it evokes for the mother.
[15]
- entwined of her first day at residential school - A poignant shift in the poem, revealing the mother’s own traumatic memories associated with braids and school. Residential schools were institutions in Canada where Indigenous children were forcibly removed from their families and cultures.
- of falling wisps of hair of never going home - These fragmented phrases evoke the pain and loss experienced by the mother and countless others in residential schools. The cutting of hair was a common practice, symbolizing the erasure of cultural identity.
[20]
- mama kisses my forehead lips a warm berry on my brown skin - A tender moment of affection and connection between mother and child. The imagery of the “warm berry” emphasizes the sweetness and love in this gesture.
- sends me on my way i wave smile back - Marks the child’s departure for school, a mixture of excitement and apprehension.
[25]
- my braids bounce behind me a reminder of who i am - The braids become a symbol of identity, resilience, and connection to heritage. They represent a tangible link to the mother and her culture.
- always pointing me back home - The final line reinforces the idea of the braids as a source of grounding and belonging, providing a sense of direction and connection to one’s roots even when navigating new experiences.
Similarities to “I Lost My Talk”
- Loss of Cultural Identity & Forced Assimilation: Both poems address the theme of cultural loss and the forced assimilation of Indigenous peoples. In “two braids,” the mother’s memories of having her braids cut at residential school represent this loss.
- Intergenerational Trauma: Both poems touch upon the lasting impact of trauma on Indigenous families and communities, passed down through generations.
- Resilience and Resistance: Despite the pain and loss, both poems suggest a sense of resilience and resistance. In “two braids,” the act of braiding the child’s hair represents a reclaiming of cultural identity and a continuation of tradition.
- Symbolism: Both poems utilize powerful symbols (braids and talk) to represent deeper cultural meanings and connections.