Summary

A year after his mother’s passing, Alexie had still not come to terms with her passing. The poems that start this section are reflective of his inner grief and sorrow. He writes, “I want my mother back. You’re lying. You might ache now but she caused you far more Pain when she was alive. Your grief might itch But it stings less and less with each new day.” (371). Alexie is also struck with guilt for leaving the reservation and living a life away from the rest of his family. He emphasizes this point when he writes, “Dear sisters, dear brothers, I am sorry For being a ghost, for not loving you And our mother as much as all of you Have loved me. I’m sorry for being so Incomplete” (372).

Over time, Alexie’s grief turned to rage. He sought out...