POEM OF THE MONTH NOVEMBER 2025:
Don't Be Indian
"Don't be Indian."
That's what my grandfather said.
All while dressing up and having fun, dressed like Indian,
from an elementary mascot to Thanksgiving breaking bread.
"Don't be Indian,
or they'll wed you off," he said.
Making and poking fun
on sacred grounds
and pow wows.
Don't be Indian.
Just make fun.
This is what I was taught.
But that is not who I am.
I am Indian.
I am not pretend.
I am proud and I am strong,
like those who came before me.
I will not be whitewashed despite my features
and despite those who'd forsake me.
"Don't be Indian"
is what they said.
Well, you know what?
I am!
So watch me fly and watch me run.
I'll kiss the mountains
and the sun,
for I am Indian!
About the Poet: Mekare Rodriguez
My name is Mekare Rodriguez, I am 30 years old, and my pronouns are they/fae. Growing up my childhood was traumatic and boring? Culturally speaking. I did recieve some culture from my Cuban side of the family and we had a pretty atheistic household. I slowly found things that resonated with me over time, but I do wish that I recieved more background on my Native American side. The quotes from my poem "Don't Be Indian" were, in fact, things my grandfather (one of my father figures) said to me often. I think it's important not to deprive a child of their full heritage(s) as it is a form of white washing. I wanted to bring light to this matter as well as maybe resonate with other Natives who are told they can't be Native based on the color of their skin or facial attributes. These, however, are not the only things I write about as I am a silly goose and, sometimes, I love to write about silly things that make me happy.