Albert Dumont Poetry Reflection

Albert Dumont’s poems from his anthology, Sitting by Rapids, have various pieces of

work relating to the First Nations, Metis, and Inuit connections to the land, identity, spirituality,

self-determination, and relationships. His several unique poems allow the reader to better

understand his experiences and messages regarding life as an Indigenous individual. Out of the

five poems I have read, my favourite one is leaf-bearing trees, as it connects to several topics

and big ideas regarding First Nations, Metis, and Inuit communities, including hidden strength as

an Indigenous individual, connections to the land, self-determination, spirituality, and an overall

deeper understanding of identity, knowledge, and growth. I feel that this poem specifically

allowed me to better understand not only the identities of the Indigenous peoples, but also the

experiences of Albert Dumont. Out of the other four poems, leaf-bearing trees has allowed me to

recognize the identity and growth of the poet and is a poem that I resonate with as well, in terms

of becoming stronger as I grow. This poem speaks on several different topics, especially the

strength and growth of him, despite the weakness that he faces. He conveys the message that

although he may seem weak and weary, he is full of strength, as he connects to the land, his

spirituality, shows gratitude, and gains more knowledge than he had in his youth. Through the

use of a simile, he compares himself to a leaf-bearing tree, “I am as a leaf-bearing tree,” saying

that although these trees seem to be in a state of growing weakness, they’re just as strong as

before. Strength can be found deep within the soul and behind the apparent mask of weakness,

especially as one connects to their environment, spirituality, and identity, gaining knowledge as

time passes. This poem shows significance in topics related to self-determination, resilience,

strength, and connection to the land in Indigenous communities, allowing me to better

understand the identities of these individuals and the poet.

Throughout Dumont’s poems, he uses several different stylistic elements and literary

devices that enhance his writing and improve the communication of the message he tries to
convey. One literary device that I feel is especially effective is the use of similes, metaphors, and

personification. This creates imagery in the reader’s mind and allows them to connect and better

understand the message the poet is trying to convey. For example, in the poem, our young

people, Dumont explains that young people who surround themselves with Indigenous

knowledge “Are like the dawning / Of a long anticipated spring.” The diction used with “long

anticipated spring” expresses the desired change, joy, and excitement spring brings to one’s life,

symbolizing the positive change the youth of today will bring forth. The use of metaphors and

personification in the poem, man of the blackberry moon, captures the importance of nature to

Indigenous identity. The lines, “In the song of the rapids / And in the stirring of the leaves,”

create images in the minds of the reader, and attributes human traits or ideas to non-human

things, allowing for the connection of nature and identity to be revealed. Imagery is also an

effective stylistic device, as it paints a picture in the reader’s mind, engaging them deeply with

the message of the poem and allowing them to understand the poet’s purpose. In the poem, where

is the bird, imagery is evident through the lines, “Where is the bird / Which would lift me upon

its back / So I can fly with it.” Through these words, the poet uses imagery to further explore his

connection to nature and animals. He speaks about the bird as a friend, something that will lift

him, and set him free; something that will connect him to his purpose and identity. Lastly,

repetition is also an effective stylistic element, as it emphasizes an idea, question, or topic the

poet may want the reader to understand. In the poem, where is the bird, Dumont uses repetition

in the first three verses to create emphasis on his questions of where the lake, the trail, and the

land are. He questions where these aspects of his identity are and conveys the message of

understanding who he is as he uses repetition to emphasize his questions. The use of similes,

metaphors/personification, diction, imagery, and repetition all contribute to more engaging, and

descriptive poems.
 Through Albert Dumont’s poems, I feel that there are several themes and big ideas that

develop his voice. One of the most important ideas he discusses is his identity and connection to

culture. Through the poem, where is the bird, I feel that he especially explores the topics of who

he is and relations with the land. He uses repetition when asking the questions “Where is the

lake,” “Where is the trail,” and “Where is the bird,” while connecting traits such as

righteousness, courage, truth with the circle, purpose, and sense of humanity to the environment.

Dumont conveys the message that the lost identity of Indigenous people can be discovered

through one’s beliefs and connections with the land, the circle, and spirituality. Dumont

demonstrates his connectivity with nature and he asks questions on where different aspects of his

identity are, demonstrating his search and founding of who he is. Another evident theme is the

importance of knowledge and determination, as he highlights that wisdom and resilience can

result in strength, unstoppable change, and growth. He especially outlines this theme in his

poem, our young people. He explains the undefeated strength of the youth who surround

themselves with Indigenous knowledge, explaining how they are the young changemakers of

today, with the lines, “Are like the dawning / Of a long anticipated spring.” He explains how

Indigenous knowledge can cause this change, and how they are only the beginning of this

change, showing the poet’s determination for the future. The words, “They will not be stopped”

emphasize his message of how determination and wisdom can create positive change. Finally,

the poem, leaf-bearing trees, also represents several different important ideas, including the

connections to the land and nature, strength, resilience, and growth, which further develops

Dumont’s voice. In this poem, he compares himself through a simile to a tree, saying “I am as a

leaf-bearing tree,” explaining how he may seem weak, but is strong and has grown with more

knowledge. In the last verse, he demonstrates several connections to big ideas. The line “I stand

strong, my roots, my bloodline,” demonstrates Dumont’s strength, resilience, and power. The

next line, “Rising from the rocky earth / I catch the wind,” illustrates his connection with the
land. He explains how he is deeply rooted in the Earth, as he rises from the rocky ground, which

creates the imagery of his connection to nature. The next line, “And speak my word of

thanksgiving,” shows the gratitude involved with Indigenous relationships with the land, further

proving their deep connections with the nature around them. Lastly, the lines, “My knowledge of

the Good Spirit / Stronger now / Than in my younger years,” demonstrates his growth and strong

connection to his culture and identity. Through all this, Dumont proves how Indigenous

connections with nature, spirituality, gratitude, and strength contribute to overall growth.

Through all these poems and their different themes and ideas, Dumont develops his voice,

teaching the reader about himself and the way of life for many Indigenous people.

Albert Dumont’s poems reflect many of his experiences in his life with his identity,

spirituality, connection to the land, and determination, which strikes questions about the poet’s

approach to writing poetry. If I could speak with him, I would ask what events in his life inspired

him to communicate his feelings through poetry. Why did he choose poetry, specifically? How

does he produce compelling ideas and formulate a beautiful string of words? Does he have any

particular goals that he attempts to accomplish when writing poetry, or does he mainly focus on

getting his feelings across? I feel that Albert Dumont’s poetry shows great significance in

representing the themes related to First Nations, Metis, and Inuit communities, especially the

identity, strength, connection to nature, and relationships to others. He demonstrates growth,

especially in his poem, leaf-bearing trees, and reveals his identity through a beautiful method.

His poems are inspirational, educational, and intriguing, as they allow me to learn more about

him and the Indigenous people, and spark interest in the continuity to learn more.