Translation: José Luis Rico
from Jos itseni pelastan itseltäni (“If I Save Me from Myself”)
Palladium Kirjat (2015)
Spring nights, so clear
Ailu Valkeapää wrote
he had a dream
had understood something
carried a rocking chair
to the bank of the Könkämäeno River
I sit on a hillside in Johtalanvaara
my mouth gaping in elation
about how this could be hinted at
he just did it
I thought his poems
would save the world
he thought it could hardly be saved
and from what
if you save yourself from yourself
you don’t happen
Niillas Holmberg (1990) is a writer and musician from Teno. He has written works of poetry, a novel, a long fiction film, plays, and essays. In the field of music, Holmberg has worked as a vocalist, guitarist, composer, and lyricist. He composes yoik, folk, electro, and world music. Holmberg is known as an advocate for indigenous peoples’ right to self-determination. Website: niillas.com
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