Avis Blackbird says her debut poetry collection “Lightning in Our Roots” was shaped by a return to writing during COVID-19 and a reconnection with Indigenous identity and nature.
The Story
Avis Blackbird says her debut book of poetry, Lightning in Our Roots, grew out of her return to writing during the COVID-19 period as she searched for a way to express her emotions.
Blackbird, who began writing poetry as a teenager, said she stepped away from it as life got busier, but returned around COVID or coming out of COVID because she had “no way to express my emotions.” She said poetry gave her “the freedom I felt and finally being able to have a place to express my negative emotions.”
She also tied her creative resurgence to her extended family’s efforts to connect with their Indigenous heritage, working with their band to “find more traditions to engage in” as they worked on obtaining their status. Blackbird said the process of reclaiming her Indigeneity helped her become more creative and find “that balance.”
The poetry collection features nature themes and is structured across four chapters that reflect different seasons. Blackbird said the “seasonal round stood out” to her, particularly as she learns about it “through my nation,” with colder months tied to reflection and summer associated with “connection, being together and abundance.”
Blackbird said she wanted the book to end on vitality, saying the word “resilience” is used often around Indigenous peoples but that she also loves “another piece that I love, which is vitality.”
She said her reconnection with the outdoors during COVID-19 was supported by Knowledge Keepers, storytellers and traditional activities, including harvesting cedar. Blackbird said going on walks and being outdoors helped her maintain her “sanity during COVID.”
Blackbird said her connection with nature is not limited to rural settings, pointing to seeing birds on everyday walks and saying it’s possible to connect with nature “no matter where we are.”
She said the collection took about two and a half years to solidify and reach a manuscript she was proud of, and she thanked her editors for their patience as she revised and added new material. She also said she hopes the book encourages others to try creative outlets, adding, “it never hurts.”
Lightning in Our Roots is available everywhere.
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