“Stay with me butterfly, help me to see
Tell me again what you dreamed I would be
You were my teacher – you still are my guide
Iskwesis, sweet butterfly – stay by my side.”
In this poetic homage to the power of the powwow and dancing, a mother is remembered for her dedication to her roots. She and her child travelled hundreds of miles to dance fancy and keep the traditions of her culture alive. Her pride was always evident as she pursued her dream and took part in the powwow. Aging and aching caused her to stop dancing and death took her from her child, but her dreams for the future continue to live on in the heart of her offspring. Her spirit remains and continues to teach as she has always done, with honor and enduring love.
What a celebration of the power of the dance! David tells the story as it was written in poetic, repetitive text with the flute and drum as accompaniement. The text is also written and told in a Mi'kmaq translation; it is lovely to listen to the sure voice of translator Patsy Paul-Martin. Following both readings, we continue the experience with Buffy Sainte Marie's music..a recording of her song, Darling, Don't Cry which is a perfect complement to this text. Leonard Paul's remarkable illustrations give life to the dancers in colorful, dramatic closeups. Their pride is evident on every page. The double page spread of dancers in silhouette is stunning. I especially love the profiles of the mother as the story moves from her youth to maturity.
This is a book to be shared, and then shared again. Having the CD allows the reader the chance to experience it on her own or with a friend.
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