November 19, 2007

Trudell's poetry and philosophy

Poet, activist shares his unique slant

Trudell was among Alcatraz occupiersDuring his presentation, Trudell shared his personal philosophy and some of his original poetry.

"I flew with the eagles until I fell from the nest. I ran with the wolves until I got lost from the pack," he read from one poem. "I never strayed to Heaven--it was hard getting past hell."

In another, he spoke of a "yellow ribbon around my brain."

Trudell didn't apologize for the lack of sunshine and light in his words as he described a government and society he said mines the humanness from individuals and leaves behind the toxic waste of fear, doubt and insecurity.

"We're chasing chaos," he said.

The way out, he said, is not violence.

"I think it's useless to fight them," he said. "I encourage everyone to think clearly and coherently and outthink them."
Comment:  In contrast to other Native poetry, Trudell's poetry seems clear.

4 comments:

Anonymous said...

Is it true that Peltier and Trudell are enemies? Something weird is going on with these two. But I can't figure it out.

writerfella said...

Writerfella here --
Chalk it all up to being misquoted, for one of them did say, "The enemy of my enemy is still my enemy..."
All Best
Russ Bates
'writerfella'

Anonymous said...

Basically, I'm confused because Robert Robideau (Peltier's co-defendent) claims that Trudell is an agent. Not sure if Peltier believes the same...

Anonymous said...

There is a photo of Tina Manning Trudell wearing a T Shirt with Free Leonard Peltier... Personally I think spreading unfounded rumors about a man who has had so much pain in his life and who continues to educate and inform people to be aware and beware are the words or a rumor monger and coward. The article is about Trudell's poetry and philosophy, which is both brilliant and clear.