Chance

Poetry

Chance

René Fumoleau

Volume 37  Issue 7, 8 & 9 | Posted: October 8, 2022

When I arrived in Denendeh,
my first posting was Rádel1 Kóé (Fort Good Hope).

Years later, I went to visit the K’áhshot1ne there.
In front of the store I met Leon, Charlie, and Ernest,
and we talked of the ‘good old days.’

One particular day flashed through my mind,
and I said:

“Do you remember the trip we made by dog team,
the four of us, to set fishnets in Rorey Lake?
Must be fifteen years ago?”
“Yes, we remember.”
“We had one tent, and the first night we camped
at Loon Lake.
In the evening I wanted to preach to you.,
and I kind of remember what I said then.
Now, with what I have learned in the past fifteen years,
I feel that what I told you then
must have sounded pretty stupid.”

Ernest:

“It sounded like.”
“Why didn’t you tell me then?”
“Well, you were young.
We thought you were smart enough to learn someday,
so we gave you a chance.”

   

René Fumoleau