Saturday's Storyteller: "The figures on the totem pole all climbed off each other and settled around the table for a game of poker."

by Belinda Roddie

The figures on the totem pole all climbed off each other and settled around the table for a game of poker. The alligator wound up with a pair, and the beaver was aiming for a full house. The mongoose anted up, while the dragon was convinced that the dove was bluffing. Only the dove wasn't bluffing - both the coyote and the bull were, and the lynx didn't know how to play poker to begin with.

Not that it mattered, anyway, because the eagle - always the one to sit atop the pole to begin with - pulled off a royal flush for the ages that made every animal perched on a chair blush.

Then actual Native Americans decried the creation of this fictional scenario because it was very clearly culturally insensitive and inaccurate. They also were quite miffed by the idea that totem pole animals would play a game one would find at a casino - and the stereotype connected to that is quite obviously. This author firmly believed they had a point, and therefore cut the story off before it got any worse.

After all, totem poles are sacred symbols that hold great significance for tribes, as these animals act as spiritual guides among families and individuals seeking out meaning in life. Power and wisdom are two important things said guides can offer, and they must not be taken lightly.

Besides, the animals themselves don't play poker. They prefer blackjack.

This week's prompt was provided by Daniel Bulone. Also, yes, all the information I wrote about totem poles being sacred is very real. While this is all meant to be in good humor, cultural appropriation and insensitivity is very real. Don't irritate a Native American by being ignorant. Peace out!