Angels
The opening line of the poem states 'Angels don't come to the reservation' and symbolizes the spiritual aspect of the entire book. Angels are associated with God, who is the Supreme Being with absolute authority over the earth. The speaker is faithful that despite her brother going through challenges of drug addiction, God will intervene and rescue him. All the poem collected in the book discuss how the speaker's brother is struggling with drug addiction.
The Speaker’s Brother
The speaker’s brother symbolizes the challenges drug addicts go through in their lives. The speaker has dedicated the second half of the book to talk about her brother’s drug addiction. For instance, the speaker notes that her brother steals light bulbs and other items to get money to buy drugs. The speaker writes:
“How to go to dinner with a brother on drugs
Downhill Trioles
As a Consequence of My Brother Stealing All the Lightbulbs
Formication…”
Consequently, one of the main effects of drug addiction is stealing and criminal activities to enable addicts to access drugs.
The Clouds
The Clouds emblematically signify the importance of believing in Jesus Christ. The speaker knows that, in Jesus, there are possibilities. However, the speaker is categorical that prayers are an important part of human life. The speaker writes:
“Other Small Thundering
Jimmy Eagle’s Hot Cowboy Boots Blues
The Facts of Art
Prayers of Oubliettes
The Clouds are Buffalo Limping towards Jesus.”
A Shark
The speaker symbolically uses a shark to define true love. According to the Speaker, true love does not have boundaries, and one should not be defined by physical appearance. When the beloved asks, “What would you do if you woke up and I was a shark?” The response to this question is not directly given, but the reader comprehends that the beloved is trying to know if her love can change if she became something else.
A woman without legs
A woman without legs is a symbol of hope for the speaker. The speaker knows that all is not lost despite her brother being a drug addict. At least, the speaker believes that her brother can be saved at some point, though not wholly. Consequently, a woman should be without legs and be alive than dying. The speaker writes:
“The Gospel of Guy No Horse
A Woman with No Legs
Tortilla Smoke: A Genesis
Reservation Mary….”
