GRSJ224Bobby

Camacho’s Romanticizing Warriorhood is in interesting piece of poetry because of its two part structure in explaining the tribal history. It starts off with the narrator describing the types of spears their ancestors would use for warrior hood. The poem then continues with the narrator describing their spear and how it resembles that of their ancestors.

“then began to marvel at our warrior hood

at our encounters at our spears

the kind of spears my ancestors used

the kind I wanted to use

the kind my friend used

she showed me one

sketched on a paper pad

showed the sharp tip

the slim shaft

and said, “see, that’s what we used” (113)

 What I found interesting is the connection that is made between the past and present and the historical significance of warrior hood that is shown in a form of literature. For me it gives a sense of how these stories in poem form outlines the significance of family and the power of stories.

“I ask permission

from the spirits

with my machete

chopping away

i find an ifet tree

cut a piece

carrying the wood

to my truck”

 One important aspect I noticed was the use of nature and how nature plays an important role in the tribal history of the narrator. In this particular poem the narrator portrays the clouds, trees and previous ancestors as important figures in the impact of tribal history. The poem ends with the narrator ending their life and laying beside their ancestors.

 “we never died so forth

not then

not now

not ever”

 What the author accomplishes in this poem is signifying the power of stories. The author situates themselves in the forest and recalls what it takes to be a warrior- similar to their ancestors. The author without mentioning explains that the ancestors sacrificed themselves to keep their sprits alive and the author does the same. While sharing this experience the author allows us to examine the power of stories and how stories that have been passed down still have the power to move forward.