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Before the Usual Time
Edited by Darlene Naponse
A collection of words and imagery from diverse voices grounded in the land that explore community in relation to time. Filmmaker/writer, Darlene Naponse, curates a gathering of expression about time that has passed, time that is now and time that comes.
Overview
A collection of words and imagery from diverse voices grounded in the land that explore community in relation to time. Filmmaker/writer, Darlene Naponse, curates a gathering of expression about time that has passed, time that is now and time that comes.
Darlene Naponse
Darlene Naponse is an Anishinaabe from Atikameksheng Anishnawbek, Northern Ontario, where she was born and raised. She is a writer, independent film director, video artist, and community activist. She completed her MFA in Creative Writing at the Institute of American Indian Arts (IAIA) in Santa Fe. Several of her short stories have been published in the Yellow Medicine Review, Along the 46th Anthology, and The Malahat Review. She is currently working on a book of short stories. She works from her studio on the Rez (Atikameksheng Anishnawbek).
Excerpt
TRYING TO REMEMBER A DREAM
Morning:
My head is too hot. I heard it again. The same sad voice as lastnight. The voice called out, "can anyone hear me?". It soundedlike a girl. When I called out, she couldn't hear me. I want tofind her. I want to help her. Why am I so sweaty? Was she alone?How do I get to her? But it was a dream. What time is it? 7:30AM. I should try and dream this again. What am I supposed todo today? I'll try tonight. Where's my phone? I have to get up. Ineed clothes. I hate work. No, I don't.
Evening:
Where's my phone? What time is it? 10:15 PM. I'm tired. AmI forgetting something? Oh well. Sleep. What was that dream Ihad? I'll think about it until I go to sleep. A girl. Was she lost?No. Sad. Maybe alone? Yeah! I wonder if I'll actually find her. Ihope it's a girl. I need more friends. I should start a club. I shouldlay down. Is she mean? Will she like me? I'm nice enough. Whyam I worried? She's not real. Maybe she is. If I just think reallyhard. I'll close my eyes. I'll try calling out to her. "Hello?". Canshe even hear me? Maybe she doesn't want to be found. That'sstupid. Why would she call out? Focus and try again. "Can any-one hear me?". I'm too tired. One more time. .. "Hello!". I hope Ican find her.
Reviews
Before the Usual Time is a vibrantly eclectic anthology of strong Indigenous voices from right across Turtle Island. From poetry to creative non-fiction to speculative fiction and more, the writing from each spirited storyteller is rich with heartfelt narration that transcends nations. This collection effectively demonstrates the beautiful diversity of Indigenous voices and experiences throughout this land, and the common threads of strength and resilience that bind them through time. It is both a poignant look back and a promising look ahead.
- Waubgeshig Rice, author of Moon of the Crusted Snow
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- Dimensions 144 pages, 5.5 x 8.5 x 0.56 in
- Published April 23, 2020
- Publisher Latitude 46 Publishing
- Category Fiction
- Keywords Native American & Aboriginal
Other titles by Darlene Naponse
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