SPIRIT
OF COBALT
She
wandered the streets of this small town as a girl,
only hindsight would reveal it as the rarest of
pearls…
Thirty
years have passed since she left for the Arctic,
her
return visits home are emotionally cathartic.
Memories
surface with each familiar face,
a
story is ingrained in every single place…
At
the top of Cobalt stairs with a tear in her eye,
she
realizes this town gave her wings to fly.
History
of silver, speaks through murals in the streets,
a
common thread that bonds us, that just can’t be beat…
Legend
says Fred LaRose threw a hammer at a fox,
next
thing he saw was silver gleaming from the rocks.
So
the frenzy began, many came from far away,
it’s
because of this, we’re all connected today…
The
headframe and the train station are significant sights,
the
Fraser was the place to find the action every night.
Our
streets are named Pyrite, Ruby and Dunning,
a
walk to Sass Lake in the fall time is stunning…
Bedrock
and wilderness and the Cobalt song,
around
the campfire we sat, all singin’ along.
A
drive to ragged shoots was simply the best,
she
sees clearly now, she’s been incredibly blessed…
The
Strand Theatre’s still kickin, it’s called Classic now,
oldest
building remains standing, and that deserves a bow.
Coming
back is easy, it’s the leaving that’s rough,
She
is a Cobalt girl, but this day she’s not so tough…
She
walks proudly in the world and speaks highly of this place,
Spirit
of Cobalt in her heart, like a constant embrace.
Written by Barb Cote
ANONYMOUS
Downtown streets are lively and busy this spring day
Anonymous, I sit, among a sea of people in this crazy city
Invisible and separate it seems
Yet somehow connected to each and every human walking by
The lost, the lonely, the hungry, and the ones who don’t see them
Everyone with a story to tell, many will never be heard
Looking past the high rises and concrete
up into the sky
sun, clouds, tree tops
sun, clouds, tree tops
I see an eagle soaring high above
and wonder who else here sees the only thing that’s real.
Written by Barb Cote
May 2011 ©
On September 21st, 2010, I returned from the traditional fall hunt up here in the Northwest Territories...I'm priviledged to have a family who welcomes me into their world to experience life on the land twice a year...spring and fall. This camp is a sober one, with no power, no running water, no cell service, no gasoline (only for chainsaws to cut wood in order to cook & keep us warm)) ...no modern technology is used here ... i have no pictures but can share this poem that flowed through me, to help paint a picture of my experience, as most will never have this priviledge to experience this firsthand:
TRADITION
Twin otter on floats, loaded up, here we go
three generations, food and gear in tow....
the island on this lake comes to life each fall
family gathers for the traditional hunt, one and all.....
Colored leaves cover the ground
full moon light shines all around....
feels like we haven't been here for so long
we're always welcomed back by the swans and their song....
Geese are flying south in full force
Moose on the mainland, in rut of course.....
a few come forward to sacrifice their life
to ensure we don't experience a year of strife.....
but rather abundance, we are blessed yet again
a celebration of life, for us and for them.....
Snow covers the mountains, there's a chill in the air
scales are balanced, everything is kept fair.....
The cycle of life is a delicate thing
time on the land makes our hearts sing.....
Planet of love, the first star out each night
it's reflection on the lake a powerful sight.....
Rainbows and eagles speak of prophecy
all is honored here, earth, wind, rocks & trees.....
Our lives can resemble heaven or hell
but on this little island, all is perfectly well.
Mahsi Cho
Written by Barb Cote
September 2010 ©
IT'S TIME
It's not the destination but the journey they say,
don't live your life in the past, only for today.
It's all easier said than done,
seems far more convenient to run,
but wherever you go, there you are
whether it's at home, or somewhere afar.
Burying your head in the sand,
instead of reaching out your hand,
to yourself, for yourself, filling that space,
opening your heart, letting someone into that place.
Raw and vulnerable, open to possible pain
is the only way forward, the way to keep sane.
The time has come to let others in,
and work together for the sake of all man.
Souls must unite as the Prophecies said,
our actions now determine if we end up dead.
So in the end, I guess it's all worth a look,
at what we gave and what we took.
The scales can be balanced once again,
if we make the right choices, peace & love can reign.
Written by Barb Cote
September 2010 ©
THREE DAY
Between the Franklins and the Mackenzies
there lies a sacred space.
An island on a lake, the most beautiful place.
Where my Native family comes year after year,
to live on the land in their hearts they hold dear.
It is a plentiful land which provides every season,
the Creator does nothing without having a reason.
It is a gift, this land, his creation,
where the traditions are passed on to the next generation.
Spirits linger above of the souls who have passed,
watching over their loved ones knowing their teachings will last.
Offerings are made and the cycle goes on,
until the next fall......another year has gone.
Written by Barb Cote
September 2006 ©
TEN MILE ISLAND
There is a place in the wilderness called Ten Mile Island
it looks over the Mackenzie, the shores covered in sand.
There's a welcome feeling in the air when you're here
and you never have to worry there's always a cheer!
It's a gathering place for family and friends
where the fun, love and laughter never seems to end.
It belongs to the people of the Hodgson clan,
but everyone's welcome, child, woman and man.
There's singing in the air, and God playing a tune
around the fire we sit under the stars and the moon.
There's a place in the wilderness on the land called Sahtu
where we come to escape, where you can just be you.
Written by Barb Cote
September 2005 ©
OUT OF THE ECLIPSES
Out of the eclipses
she emerges weary yet strong.
Left reeling from the preordained events
strategically placed for her soul's progression.
She wonders if it ever gets easier
at the same time knowing she is the only one
with the power to change her actions, her reactions.
She learns to use this energy
this gift from Grandmother Moon
to evolve, to emerge
from the inner to the outer her.
To find her power, her love, her purpose
understanding as eclipse time begins, chaos will reign.
She must stay grounded
while seeking higher perspective
until this energy passes
and all is calm again....
yet forever changed.
Written by Barb Cote
August 2008 ©
AFTERMATH
Taking chances, letting you in
to my life, my world
guided by spirit
to experience this soul connection
not knowing what my lessons would be.
The aftermath of ashes under my feet,
I rise like the phoenix
eyes wide open as i dust myself off
foggy...weary....alone.
Left to look at myself in the mirror
the strong woman emerging
while the little girl cries.
Slowly letting go of an old way of being,
forgiveness whispering in the distance
wounds still fresh
fear and anger still looming.
Standing on the bridge of time
between yesterday and tomorrow.....
with no regrets.
Written by Barb Cote
April 2008 ©
MY WISH FOR YOU (written for our youth)
I wish for you a world of peace,
where you look past the chaos and see hope.
Feel hope.
I wish for you to find your gifts, your purpose,
and encouragement to fulfill your dreams.
All of your dreams.
I wish for you to see the magic in life,
to be open to receive the miracles.
To expect the miracles.
I wish for you to experience love in all forms,
to know inner peace, and heaven on earth.
Barb Cote
MOTHER EARTH
We honor you and all your natural wonders
strength and courage in all that you do.
Your ability to nurture us with your abundance,
the miracles you show us every day.
You soothe us with your gentle love
as we nestle in your bossom.
Actions speak in place of words,
never scolding or mean spirited.
Those who disrespect you
shall feel your wrath.
Those who worship you
shall feel your love.
We protect you and will be with you
to experience the miracle as you cleanse yourself
and the world becomes new again.
Written by Barb Cote
HOPELESS ONE
In a dark gloomy corner
scared and nervous he sat
wishing he could blend in with the brick wall
the roadmaps in his eyes led nowhere
he depends totally on his addictions
his money never honestly made
never honestly spent
no one to trust, no one to love
he drowns his sorrows by staying numb
slowly his troubled life will come to a halt.
Written by Barb Cote
CROSSING OVER
For some it is the end, the beginning for others
to sleep, to die, to dream
imagination or reality?
Heart slows by day
floating, flying, gone from here
from fighting, hating, killing.
Seeing the light
tranquility and love
discovering the new world
buried is the body
active is the soul
he is missed by all
he is happy now
gone from this hell
to a better place
unknown to beings here.
Each put on earth
a goal to meet, a purpose to serve
once accomplished we are taken away
gone from this world
back to our home.
Written by Barb Cote
THE AWAKENING
Amidst the chaos, in among the debris
lay shimmering crystals who's power can free
our soul's ego, pain and fear
just pick them up and hold them near.
They are a gift from spirit to help us heal
before we came here we all made a deal,
to help each other, all living things,
the Earth Mother, the animals, not just human beings.
It is time for the awakening which is now taking place,
in the end a planet of peace, all sharing one space.
Written by Barb Cote
THE JOURNEY
Out of the shadows of fear and pain
into the warm, soft light of peace within
a journey, a path we chose to walk on earth again
meeting challenges disguised as obstacles
raising doubt in order to find unwavering faith
the path appears oftentimes as a struggle
or a fork in the road
sitting quietly at the crossroads
asking for assistance from Great Spirit
as we contemplate our choices
then choosing from a place of fear, the past,
or from a place of courage, the unknown,
to cry a tear of grief or one of joy,
the choice is ours.
Written by Barb Cote
UNLOCKING THE PAST
My soul longs to meet you and has for this lifetime it seems
wondering when the wind will blow you closer
will I recognize you as we promised in another place, another time?
Our souls are wise and strong and remember this vow
to grow through the human experience once again,
knowing when we cross the veil once more, if the lessons were completed.
Creator blessing the union and guiding along the way
for the highest good of our souls, this earth, of man, for the new world.
A celebration, a dance of love, of peace, of joy.
Time never dies, neither do feelings of love.
My love is unconditional and holds no expectations,
it is never fearful, never sorry.
It is a flame that burns bright and warm
through time and space, first for myself and my Creator,
then for you and the children, the animals, our Mother.
Together we will be the word that helps change the world.
Written by Barb Cote
REVISED LYRICS TO PROUD MARY
♪ ♫ ♪ ♫ ♪ ♫ ♪ ♫ ♪ ♫ ♪ ♫ ♪ ♫
Left an empty life in the city
headed North to live every night and day
and I never lost one minute of sleepin'
worryin' bout the way things might have been
Big current keeps on turnin'
Mackenzie River keeps on yearnin'
Rollin' rollin' rollin' on the river
Saw the midnight sun in Sahtu
had alot of bonfires in Norman Wells
but i never thought the kindness from my people
would touch me in a way that makes my lonely heart swell
Big current keeps on turnin'
Mackenzie River keeps on yearnin'
Rollin' rollin' rollin' on the river
If you come up to the river
bet you gonna find some people who live
you don't have to worry if you got no money
people on the river are happy to give
Big current keeps on turnin'
Mackenzie River keeps on yearnin'
Rollin' rollin' rollin' on the river
♪ ♫ ♪ ♫ ♪ ♫ ♪ ♫ ♪ ♫ ♪ ♫ ♪ ♫ ♪ ♫
Written by Barb Cote
