Spit

In memory of Arthur Moffatt, a conscientious

objector, who froze to death September 14, 1955,

exploring the Canadian Barren Grounds

The Chipewyans play it. the old game: Spit.

They used to hunt, First squaw chooses

or lug in white first man, that first

man's radar. They man stands still.

hunt Under- Next man spits

the-Blanket now, on first man's chest.

make hot thunder Spit runs right

in big snow, or left, he loses,

and melted, wait if spit hits

for Treaty Day, his navel, wins.

the solstice when The Chipewyans

the Government play it. The laws

lands, with cash. are old: when light

Squaws and indians and cash run out,

crowd up. Don't, they play for squaws.

the priest explains. Far into arctic

He talks Chipewyan midnight, thick

like a white man. with phlegm, they bet

He says wash, on this old game

and how, until new civilizations

ice-out, God won't have no name

pay off again. for. Only nations

Any Christian indian like the Chipewyans

knows that. They wait play it. Spit

the end of Treaty is what they call it.

Day, then play Spit. Spit. Spit.