Poetry Pause is the League of Canadian Poets’ daily poetry dispatch. Read “Kaatunga Iluanimi – I am hungry on the inside” by Ashley Qilavaq-Savard, part of our 2024 Poem in Your Pocket Day collection!

---

Kaatunga Iluanimi – I am hungry on the inside

by Ashley Qilavaq-Savard

Sinnatuqtunga – I dream

Anaanatsiara pulaaqtara – I visit my grandmother

Iliragijara – I am afraid to disappoint her

Kaappit? – Are you hungry?

Mumituq – she dances

Uusimajut – food (cooked)

Ammalu – and

Uvagut – us

Nirigiiqqaujunga – I’ve already eaten

Takujaanga – she sees me

Nirigit – have something to eat

Nirijunga – I eat

Imiruppit – Are you thirsty?

Qajuqliqtunga – I consume broth

Una mamallarittuq – this is really good

Pikkannirit – have some more

Mumiqtuguk – the two of us dance

Aqiattuqtunga – I am full

Pikkannirit – have some more

Mirianngujunga – I feel nauseous

takujara- i see her

Aunaaqtuq – she is bleeding

ammalu – and

Paniqtuqtunga – I am dry

Maliktara – I follow her

Nirigit – have something to eat

Ammalu – and

Nalligivagit – I love you

Ajjigiik – they are the same

Tupattunga – I wake up

Nakurmiik niritikkavinnga – thank you for the meal

---

Ashley Qilavaq-Savard is an Inuk poet, writer, artist, and filmmaker born and raised in Iqaluit, Nunavut. Her first book of poetry, Where The Sea Kuniks the Land (Inhabit Media) explores themes of decolonization, intergenerational trauma, language, and love for Inuit Nunangat. Ashley has published multiple stories, poems and essays relating to her Inuit culture, her work can be seen in the Nipiit Magazine, Chirp Magazine, Inuit Art Quarterly, Canadian Art Magazine, and Studio Magazine.

---

Subscribe to Poetry Pause, or support Poetry Pause with a donation today!

---