shalan is a Mi’kmaw mother, poet, playwright, oral storyteller and ecologist.
The author of three books, her most latest book of poetry is Waking Ground (2020), shalan uses her theatrical background to bring Mi’kmaw stories to a new generation of listeners, as well as recounting personally crafted narratives.
shalan has shared her work around the fire and on stages for over two decades. She recently produced, wrote and performed her second play, a one-woman show, KOQM, that toured Nova Scotia in 2022. shalan lives with her family in their community of L’sətkuk (Bear River First Nation).
WAITING FOR MONARCHS
kji’mimikejk, eskma’tiekip
with a thousand flower beds
and the hearts of children
eskma’tiekip
fishermen watched the ocean swallow bodies
of those who never landed
eskma’tiekip
the animal fur thickened
the flowers dried
and the children went back inside
you waited some more
another spring
another year
just you and i in that field
eskmaykip
there might be a flutter
a flash of orange
just bright enough
while i plant another milkweed
eskma’tiek
kji’mimikejk, “great butterflies”, monarchs. eskma’tiekip, we all wanted. eskmaykip, you and i waited. eskma’tiek, we are waiting (plural).
