Just a few hundred years ago
in the thick green undergrowth
where the Yanticaw Creek
meets the wide old Passaic River
the fish surrendered by jumping
into hollowed dugout canoes.
From the banks of Delawanna
to the overhang at Brookdale Park
wampum changed hands
in peace and prosperity for generations.
The people, the True People, Lenni Lenape,
celebrated the yantacaw,
a thanksgiving feast – long before
the other people called Pilgrims
celebrated – a bountiful feast
with like people from up north
who brought exotic furs and canoes
and traded with southern natives
for salt fish and seashells.
- By Anthony Buccino
From YOUNTAKAH COUNTRY A Poetic View Of Nutley Old And New
Copyright © 2010 by Anthony Buccino, all rights reserved. Photos and content may not be used for commercial purposes without written permission.
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