I Place You into the Fire
Written by Rebecca Thomas
Published in 2020 by Nimbus Publishing
I Place You into the Fire is the first collection of poetry by Rebecca Thomas, Mi’kmaq spoken word poet and former Halifax Poet Laureate. The poems are organized into three sections: kesalul (I love you), kesa’lul (I hurt you), and ke’sa’lul (I place you into the fire). This collection explores topics such as Thomas’ experiences as the daughter of a residential school survivor, multi-generational trauma, MMIWG2S, colonialism, and cultural appropriation. I Place You into the Fire is also a celebration of resilience and healing:
But we’re bridging that gap.
It has to be a must.
Because our time of oppression is entering its dusk.
So we express ourselves through drums, dance, and art.
After all, pain and feeling are tied to the heart.
Our capacity for reliance
Is nothing short of brilliance.
We are healing with purpose and building capacity.
We are growing back roots severed by tragedy.
Introducing the Author:
Read Rebecca Thomas’ author bio.
Learning More About the Book:
In this Canadian Literature Centre video, Rebecca Thomas reads and discusses poems from I Place You into the Fire.
Listen to interviews with Rebecca Thomas here and here.
Watch Rebecca Thomas perform some of the poems found in the collection:
Developing Background Knowledge:
Educators who would like to know more about residential schools in Canada can start with these sources.
Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada
Residential Schools in Canada Education Guide
National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation (University of Manitoba)