A Poetic Journey at the Segrado Gallery: Inspired by the Art of Ernesto Burbank

In the heart of the Segrado Gallery, a room brimming with creativity and inspiration, I found myself on a poetic journey unlike any other. The Roots Workshop, a gathering of accomplished poets and eager newcomers alike, offered a canvas for expression and exploration, guided by the incredible art and character of Ernesto Burbank, a traditional Navajo ambassador and professional tattoo artist.

Ernesto's art speaks volumes, each piece a testament to his rich heritage and profound storytelling abilities. His work, adorned with images of famous chiefs and dedicated to loved ones lost to the pandemic, resonated deeply with everyone present. Among these powerful visuals, a particular piece dedicated to a beautiful wife who passed on stood as a poignant reminder of love and loss—a theme that echoed throughout the room.

As we gathered, people from all walks of life shared their stories and perspectives. From seasoned poets to those like myself, new to the craft, we found common ground in our desire to express and connect. The atmosphere was charged with creativity, each story and poem a thread in a vibrant tapestry of shared human experience.

Amid this inspiring environment, I penned a poem dedicated to cherished summers spent riding horses from our desert farm to the trading post. These memories, vivid and dear, were captured in the lines of my poem:

I remember it in the cottonwood leaves

Of a place called “the cows chewed it all”It’s a place where my family used to take their large herds and plant corn and crops

For the entire summer we would set up shop next to thereLaughter, happiness, family, water, honorable lifeways, and the summer Nidaa ceremonies.

Of course, the cottonwood trees also found their home, not sure why the cows didn’t chew them.

I hear different stories, that they were brought by the Mormon.

I love the shades of the Cottonwood trees, strong, old, cool . On a hot day we ride horses to the trading post, the sun hits us hard, but we know respite is coming…A small pond from the spring and close by, our relative the cottonwood trees.

A breeze, whistling of the Cottonwood leaves, and water adds to the beautiful symphony on this day...Ahxehee Cottonwood tree for adding to the singing!

The workshop was a celebration of our warrior twin deities, a tribute to resilience and strength. Inspired by the art and stories surrounding us, we wrote with fervor, our words flowing as naturally as the art that inspired them. It was a day of learning and growth, where every voice was valued, and every story mattered.

As I reflect on this incredible experience, I am grateful for the opportunity to learn from such talented individuals and to be inspired by the art of Ernesto Burbank. His work, much like the workshop itself, is a testament to the power of storytelling and the enduring spirit of the Navajo people.

This journey has ignited a passion within me—a desire to continue writing, to share stories, and to connect with others through the timeless art of poetry. I look forward to many more workshops and the continued growth of my poetic voice.