In Our Languages: Esselen

In Our Languages (Esselen)

Kakalu-ichi (Crow Sister)

By Deborah A. Miranda

 

Kakalu

crow,

 

neneyisi kakaw

walking crow,

 

an-siawa-ke—

don’t cry—

 

ka neme mashaipa nish efe?

are you hungry my friend?

 

A’kxi,

Arise,

 

loliki tanaichi:       
pretty older sister:

 

nomen’k makukx,

call your companions,

 

iyu enemanu.

come with me.

 

Kames ictunine,

I dream of you,

 

nemmishipa alaki,

your black eyes,

 

nemex alaki shawa asanax.

your black tears.

 

Nish ichi,

My sister,

 

mute ka iw’sin watin

let’s go

 

sihapa malpa hano imita.

make gossip in the sky.

 

Kakun, shekesipsha, shewker      

Chickenhawk, sparrowhawk, red tailed hawk   

 

sihapa-lala panantonak oi siawa.

will make jealous cries.

 

Let ampa-lala powapisi.

We will eat wind.

 

Nemulam let ma’ali nenilala.

We will not go back.

 

Let asumpa-lala, mefpayisi—

We will fly, dancing—

 

ike, mefpayisi, ichi! Ike.

yes, dancing, sister!  Yes.