Many Native Women Missing

At first it seemed
it was just
the cedar tree
extending a limb
to one or two
disembodied
red dresses.

But now the forest
is redolent
with wind-sock
frocks twisting
from branches
of firs, pines
and arbutus.

The shadow
of a black mother
bear climbs up
unto warning posters,
tears at the hems
of empty dresses.
Scores of native
women missing.