Reprise: "Let’s recognize our need for awe."

"These Rivers Remember" by Native American poet Roberta Hill

Originally published on “How to Grow a Poem” in November 2023.

There is no monument—not even a discreet historic marker—to be found in the 21st century bustle of downtown St. Paul, Minnesota. Nothing to indicate that one is standing on, or near, sacred ground, Maka coka-ya kin, the center of the Earth.

In fact, it’s likely that few who step there are mind…