Beneath the Stars: Kinsale Drake’s Journey Through Heritage and Survival in "The Sky Was Once a Dark Blanket"

The Sky Was Once a Dark Blanket. The University of Georgia Press, 2024.

A Breathtaking Debut for a Young Poet

Kinsale Drake's debut poetry collection, The Sky Was Once a Dark Blanket, published by the University of Georgia Press in 2024, marks a significant entry into contemporary literature. As a Diné poet, Drake traverses the landscapes of the American Southwest, delving into themes of family, legacy, colonialism, femininity, and mythology. Through poems like “Grandmother’s Hands,” which tenderly recounts the strength and wisdom of Indigenous matriarchs, and “Burnt Sage,” where the act of cleansing becomes a metaphor for reclaiming lost traditions, Drake crafts an intimate and poignant narrative.

The collection's opening poem, "Spangled," sets the tone by juxtaposing American identity with Indigenous perspectives, urging readers to reflect on the complexities of patriotism and cultural heritage. In this poem, Drake reimagines the stars on the American flag as a “dark blanket” that obscures Indigenous voices, weaving together the personal and political. In “What the Desert Knows,” she uses vivid imagery of the Southwest’s rugged terrain to explore the resilience of Native peoples, drawing parallels between the harsh environment and the endurance of their stories.

Critics have lauded Drake's work for its lyrical beauty and unflinching examination of cultural violence. Jacqueline Allen Trimble, author of How to Survive the Apocalypse, describes the collection as "a lyrical, heartbreaking, and relentless song, weaving its own dark blanket out of politics, history, and family." This is exemplified in “Bloodlines,” where Drake reflects on the generational trauma of colonization while celebrating the unbroken spirit of her ancestors.

Drake's poetry not only reflects on the past but also engages with contemporary issues, challenging oppressive structures and advocating for the reclamation of Indigenous identity. Her work embodies "survivance," a term signifying active presence and the continuance of Native stories, resisting erasure in the face of colonization and urbanization. For example, “Urban Indian Blues” confronts the disconnection felt by Native youth in modern cities, juxtaposing the concrete jungle with memories of open desert skies.

The Sky Was Once a Dark Blanket has garnered significant attention, winning the 2023 National Poetry Series, and establishing Drake as a formidable voice in modern poetry. Her contributions extend beyond writing; she directs the NDN Girls Book Club, promoting Indigenous literature and providing free literary programming for Native youth.

In this collection, Drake invites readers to traverse the intricate relationships between Native peoples and the natural world, offering a narrative that is both deeply personal and universally resonant. Through pieces like “Skywoman’s Return,” where the myth of creation is reimagined as an act of rebellion, her poetry serves as a testament to the enduring strength and beauty of Indigenous cultures. The Sky Was Once a Dark Blanket stands as a vital addition to contemporary literary discourse, offering a voice that is both timeless and urgent.

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Kinsale Drake photographed by Anna Letson.

About the Author

Kinsale Drake (Diné) is a dynamic writer whose work has been featured or is forthcoming in Poetry, Best New Poets, Poets.org, Poetry Northwest, The Slowdown, Black Warrior Review, Teen Vogue, MTV, NYLON, TIME, NPR, and more. Her debut poetry collection, The Sky Was Once a Dark Blanket (University of Georgia Press, 2024), earned the 2023 National Poetry Series. As the director of the NDN Girls Book Club, she teaches mental health and storytelling programs for Native youth. Drake currently resides in Nashville, TN.

For more on Kinsale Drake, check out her author page in the Writer's Directory: