"What You Pawn I Will Redeem" is a poem by Sherman Alexie that tells the story of a homeless man named Jackson Jackson who is trying to redeem a regalia dance outfit from a pawn shop in order to participate in a powwow. The poem is written in the voice of Jackson, who reflects on his own identity and his relationship to his Native American heritage as he tries to reclaim the outfit.
Throughout the poem, Jackson grapples with issues of poverty, identity, and cultural heritage. He begins by expressing his determination to redeem the regalia, saying "I will hock my lucky rock/I will mortgage my own damn soul/I will do whatever it takes." This determination is rooted in Jackson's sense of pride and connection to his cultural traditions, as the regalia is an important part of his identity as a Native American.
However, as Jackson continues to negotiate with the pawn shop owner, he realizes that the price of the regalia is more than he can afford. This leads him to reflect on the larger issues of poverty and economic inequality that he and other Native Americans face. He compares the pawn shop to a "casino," and laments the fact that so many Native Americans have lost their land, their heritage, and their dignity as a result of being forced to pawn their possessions in order to make ends meet.
Despite these challenges, Jackson remains hopeful and resilient. He refuses to give up on his dream of redeeming the regalia, and ultimately manages to come up with the money to buy it back. In doing so, he reclaims not only the physical object, but also his sense of cultural identity and pride.
Overall, "What You Pawn I Will Redeem" is a powerful and moving poem that speaks to the enduring strength and resilience of the human spirit. It speaks to the importance of cultural heritage and the ways in which it can both sustain and empower us, even in the face of adversity.
