An erasure poem of the president’s Columbus Day proclamation.
Christopher Columbus
ushered
European settlements on[to]
the shores—
inhuman
contributions. native
heritage warmth
and generosity love of family
strengthen the fabric of
communities Columbus
sought to
replace. his radical
ideology and its adherents—
inherently sinister orthodoxy. We
must not give in to these tactics. We
must teach future generations about our heritage—
of Columbus
destroying.
To ensure that we
build,
encourage educators to teach
concepts
grounded in
history.
We must
stand against those who spread hate.
On this day we m[u]st
listen.
We m[u]st
[un]settle a
nation.
NOW,
by virtue of the authority vested in
the people, observe this day with appropriate ceremonies
and give all
this
Land
[back].
________
Leila K. Norako is an assistant professor of English at the University of Washington (Seattle) where she teaches courses in medieval literature and culture, medievalism, and the digital humanities. Her first chapbook, Nautilus, was published by Dancing Girl Press in 2019.
Satellite image via NASA.
________
Proclamation on Columbus Day, 2020
[The White House]
