Saturday, June 8, 2019

Bedside Manner

Dear ER doctor,

Do not tell me that you refuse to admit my mom
Before you have even seen her.

Do not tell me that there is no medical reason to keep her in
When she’s had nothing to eat or drink for four days.

Do not tell me that other people need the bed
Like she is a waste of space.

Do not tell me that her care is a family matter
When I am the only family here.

Do not leave your abrupt manner smeared around the hospital room
For nurses to mop up with apologies and bright smiles.




Never mind doctor. I know you’re not listening anyway.



Conni Cartlidge

June 8, 2019 




Tuesday, January 15, 2019

Call to Action #73



We call upon the federal government to work with churches, Aboriginal communities, and former residential school students to establish and maintain an online registry of residential school cemeteries, including, where possible, plot maps showing the location of deceased residential school children. (Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada: Calls to Action)


Not yet two, he sleeps
Cozy on his grandma’s bed
Under star blanket cover

Does he dream of his busy morning play group?
Spoon music
Bracelet beading
Singing “I’m a little Metis from head to toe”
Grinning 
Giggling

Does his great grandmother’s spirit visit him?
Reminding him
That he is lucky like her
Fair skinned
Able to pass

Just a toddler, he naps
Unaware of the search
For unmarked graves of 
Dead children.

His missing family.





Conni Cartlidge
May 15, 2018