Pauline Johnson

Emily Pauline Johnson (March 10, 1861 – March 7, 1913) was a Canadian writer, poet and performer popular in the late 19th century, also known by her Indian name Tekahionwake.

Tekahionwake ca 1895

Sourced

The White Wampum (1895)

London: John Lane, 1895

• August is laughing across the sky,
  Laughing, while paddle, canoe and I
  Drift, drift,
  Where the hills uplift
  On either side of the current swift.
  • "The Song my Paddle Sings", line 19; p. 33.

• The pine trees whispering, the heron's cry,
  The plover's passing wing, his lullaby.
  • "The Camper", line 9; p. 35.

• Sleep, with her tender balm, her touch so kind,
   Has passed me by;
  Afar I see her vesture, velvet-lined,
   Float silently;
  O! Sleep, my tired eyes had need of thee!
  Is thy sweet kiss not meant to-night for me?
  • "Overlooked", line 1; p. 57.