Once was a Powless.
Kids and adults called me
“Powerless”
I hated my name.
It was Indigenous.
Grandpa was Oneida.
Originally a Paulus.
Then the priests changed the name.
He reins from the bloodline of the Brants.
Grandpa used to tell me when I was small.
“My Great Great Grandpa
Was a War Chief.”
He was right. He fought the Americans.
Long before Turtle Island was Canada.
He was awarded six miles around the Grand River.
Brantford in Ontario was named for him.
Many of his nine children married the Powless family
I have fought so many battles to live.
Must be his blood that flow through me.
I am not Powerless.
I am Powerful.
