I place you into the fire

Name: I place you into the fire
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The incisive and vital first poetry collection from Mi’kmaw spoken-word poet and former poet laureate of Kjipuktuk (Halifax), Nova Scotia.

We remember tomorrow and a thousand years ago.
From eel weirs to the buffalo.
We remember petroglyphs and Instagram photos.
See, we remember our history,
Without statues, money, or pictures of the Queen.

In Mi’kmaw, three similarly shaped words have drastically different meanings: kesalul means “I love you”; kesa’lul means “I hurt you”; and ke’sa’lul means “I put you into the fire.” In spoken-word artist and critically acclaimed author (I’m Finding My Talk) Rebecca Thomas’s first poetry collection, readers will feel Thomas’s deep love, pain, and frustration as she holds us all to task, along the way mourning the loss of her childhood magic, exploring the realities of growing up off reserve, and offering up a new Creation Story for Canada.

Diverse and probing, I place you into the fire is at once a meditation on navigating life and love as a second-generation Residential School survivor, a lesson in unlearning, and a rallying cry for Indigenous justice, empathy, and equality. A searing collection that embodies the vitality and ferocity of spoken-word poetry.

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average rating is 4.7 out of 5, based on 3 votes, book lovers sharing their thoughts

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Hidayah Al-Kanz

Location:

New Brunswick

average rating is 4 out of 5

Time Published

A Touching Read

This book is a powerful poetry collection by the Mi’kmaw spoken word artist Rebecca Thomas. It considers three similarly spelled Mi’kmaw words that have three different meanings. Kesalul stands for “I love you”; kesa’lul means “I hurt you”; and ke’sa’lul is “I put you into the fire.” The poems in the book vary in topic but all have the same heartfelt touch. This book is an exploration of what it means to fight for justice beyond the surface.

This book was a moving read that propels forward the plight for Indigenous resistance. Working towards decolonization can take many forms, and this book is a great example of one. It was insightful to read about how colonialism is embedded in our everyday lives, even if one is not used to noticing it. The book also discussed relevant themes in the world that I think many marginalized communities will be able to relate to. One example being virtual accounts producing an incorrect narrative by painting violent offenders as the victim even if they are not, simply due to the fact that they belong to a dominant group.

One of my favourite poems in the collection was the one about the author’s late grandfather. It was a touching tribute to him and highlighted the role that unconditional love plays on a person. A couple of times throughout the collection, I thought about how a different word choice could have been a better substitute, as some of the language choices took away from the depth of the poetry. Nonetheless, it was a pleasant read. I especially enjoyed the poems about North America which were structured in very clever ways.

I recommend this thought-provoking and enjoyable poetry collection. This book will make readers want to increase their advocacy efforts. It is perfect for anyone looking for an enlightening poetry collection with well-crafted writing.

I recommend this book.

Savannah Ferris

Location:

New Brunswick

average rating is 5 out of 5

Time Published

I place you into the fire

I really loved getting the chance to read these poems!! They were very powerful and much needed after the recent events that’s going on. We need to learn more about the indigenous community and their culture from their perspective. These poems helped teach me and educate me in a way I wouldn’t be able to be at school. These poems were fun to read and just an overall awesome experience. Everyone go read this amazing book!!💜

I recommend this book.

Claire Bennet

Location:

Nova Scotia

average rating is 5 out of 5

Time Published

I place you into the fire

"I Place You Into the Fire" by Rebecca Thomas is accessible, enjoyable, and enlightening. The rhythm of her poems flow so easily and this makes it easy to lose yourself in her words.

The collection is divided into three parts: kesalul ("I love you"), kesa'lul ("I hurt you"), and ke'sa'lul ("I place you into the fire"). Thomas expresses love for her family members, understanding for their hurt, and anger for the violent historical and modern treatment of her community members. The poems are at times serious and at times funny, but all are beautiful and important. I know more than one of her heartfelt and poignant expressions will stay with me beyond my reading.

I recommend this book.