Macon Magazine

Have you visited Ocmulgee Mounds previously? What does the site mean to you? Yes, I've visited two or three times. I loved going. I love celebrating it as a place of my history and people but it's disturbing as well. When I was growing up, a lot of older people said don't look back, don't go back because of the grief. I understand that, yet I went back and, yes, I did encounter a grief and heartbreak that becomes palpable in your bones because of the injustice of being forcibly taken from such a beautiful place that for generations was home – a place where a rich life and culture was established. So, the question of how to deal with such a story of disruption comes up and that's what my latest book, "An American Sunrise," deals with. I think it's very important – very important – that Ocmulgee Mounds be a monument to the living and not to death. It's important people aren't just looking at the past and that we were here long before colonization, but see we did not end – despite having been displaced through hardship. We are people of great dignity and knowledge. As you say, the Muscogee (Creek) have had a rich, joyful but deeply difficult history. Your own story reflects similar hardship from childhood. What would you tell parents is the most important thing about raising their children? I think parents need to let their children be who they are. Yes, parents are a god-like and powerful influence and are there to guide, but they should respect their children's path. As someone who's been around and taught many young people, the biggest heartbreak is seeing parents forcing a path they want for their children on them, or one they wanted for themselves, rather than nurturing and guiding them carefully along their own path. Everyone is here to fulfill their own mission. How would you want to challenge those of us in Middle Georgia? I think my presence is a challenge. A Muscogee (Creek) is standing here and we were not destroyed. Our stories and who we are still matter and are part of this place; that needs to be integrated into the story here. And know there are many stories. I can't speak for all Native Americans – even that term leads to misunderstanding because there are 500 different cultures as different as France is from Italy. As a working poet, what writing projects are you involved with? And as a worker in words, do you have a favorite word at the moment? A favorite word? I can't think of one but sometimes that happens. I remember a time I was using the words "beauty" and "beautiful" so often my editor questioned me on it. I used "thousands" a lot also. But right now, I don't think there's one I'm obsessing over. As far as working on something, I've started about three projects and am writing a new memoir. I'm reading heavily in Native poetry because I'm editing a Norton Anthology of Native writing with a whole team of Native poets. Musically, I've taken a deep dive back into James Brown and am discovering so much! I hear so much of my Native ancestral music in it. How has being Poet Laureate inspired or changed you? At first, the title was intimidating but it's such an honor. Generally, though, I'm doing what I've always done: be an ambassador for poetry. I continue to read and learn and listen. For a while, all I was reading was quantum physics. Now, I'm reading a lot of art history, Muscogee (Creek) history and, of course, poetry and Native writing. e Navicent Health Foundation has encouraged generosity to transform visions into reality since 1973. e hospital's strategic combination with Atrium Health is an exciting new venture expanding access to even more healthcare resources while keeping the focus where it belongs—improving care for patients. Much has changed at Navicent Health, but the generosity of its supporters remains a steadfast tradition. Be assured that your gifts to the Navicent Health Foundation will continue to fund the healthcare programs and services in central and south Georgia, as they always have. WWW.NAVICENTHEALTH.ORG/FOUNDATION THOMAS GIBBONS, CHAIR, NAVICENT HEALTH FOUNDATION F E B R U A R Y / M A R C H 2 0 2 0 | M ACO N M AG A Z I N E.CO M 2 7

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