If You’re Not from the Rez

If you’re not from the Rez,
you don’t know that Potato Creek has the best spring water.
or
That Hisle really isn’t a town at all.
It’s a bunch of houses scattered here and there by a dirt road.

You’re not from the Rez,
when you let anyone borrow something and
assume you’ll get it back.
or
You didn’t know you could sell your clothes and shoes
for more than you bought them.

You’re not from the Rez,
when you wake up in the morning and your clothes
are still on the clothesline.
or
You get lost just driving through.
And you get terrified just doing that.

You’re not from the Rez,
when you don’t know who makes the best frybread in the housing.
or
Who bootlegs Hurricanes or Juices.

You’re not from the Rez,
when you don’t know that everyone runs by “Indian Time.”
And what that means exactly and how long.
or
You didn’t know you had to pre-pay for your gas.

You’re not from the Rez,
when you’re not sure who to borrow some flour from for skillet bread.
or
what days they give out commodities.

Destiny Turney