Tôni Kizos Wazwasa: the Winter Solstice

Terraced lines shine silver,
Layers upon the cross-hatched riverbanks
Threads of smoke rise still and silent from domed shelters
No dog barks at the half moon.

Long night gone in the morning chill,
Slow light gleams at eastward door
Sun comes returning, scarce recognized
But met with quiet welcome.

A long time we will go
A long time ’til we know
A long time still to grow
Along time, ever so.

***

Among the Abenaki people, the winter solstice signals the turning of the new year. As elder Elie Joubert has told us, this time is known as “Peboniwi, tôni kizos wazwasa – In winter, when the sun returns to the same place.”

The custom is to begin the new year by offering these words:

Anhaldamawi kassi palilawalian – Forgive any wrong I may have done to you.

Achi, n'wigiba n'nadodmoka tatbiwi, liwlaldamana – Also, I would like to ask the same, please.