Once upon a time in a faraway land,
There was a clan with a crest so grand,
Their carver crafted a totem pole tall,
With symbols and colors to tell their call.

The memorial pole stood proud and strong,
A tribute to ancestors who were gone,
And on top of it, a mortuary pole,
To honor the dead with a solemn role.

Each image on the totem was carefully made,
Telling stories of the clan's escapade,
Of their values, traditions, and beliefs,
The carver's art was beyond belief.

The clan would gather around the pole,
Dancing and singing with a joyous role,
Their totem pole was a source of pride,
A symbol of their heritage, side by side.

So let us remember this tale so true,
That we are all part of a clan or crew,
With our own crest and stories to share,
Let us honor our past with pride and care.

Reflections

1. What is a totem pole, and what is its significance to the clan in the story?
2. How did the carver make the totem pole, and what do the symbols and colors represent?
3. Why did the clan have a memorial and mortuary pole on top of the totem pole?
4. How did the totem pole make the clan feel about their heritage and history?
5. Do you have a family crest or symbol that represents your family's history or values? If so, what is it? If not, what symbol would you choose and why?