When It Rains, Volume 7: Tohono O'Odham and Pima Poetry: Tohono O'Odham and Pima Poetry Volume 7 (Sun Tracks, Band 7) - Softcover

When it was first released in 1982, When It Rains was one of the earliest published literary works in the O&;odham language. Speakers from across generations shared poems that showcased the aesthetic of the written word and aimed to spread interest in reading and writing in O&;odham.

The poems capture brief moments of beauty, the loving bond between family members, and a deep appreciation of Tohono O&;odham culture and traditions, as well as reverent feelings about the landscape and wildlife native to the Southwest. A motif of rain and water is woven throughout the poetry in When It Rains, tying in the collection&;s title to the importance of this life-giving and sustaining resource to the Tohono O&;odham people. With the poems in both O&;odham and English, the volume serves as an important reminder of the beauty and changeability of the O&;odham language.

The themes and experiences expressed by the language educators in this volume capture still-rural community life: children are still bussed for miles to school, and parents still have hours-long daily commutes to work. The Sonoran Desert also remains an important part of daily life&;seasons, rain on desert plants, and sacred mountains serve as important markers.

In a new foreword to the volume, Sun Tracks editor Ofelia Zepeda reflects on how meaningful this volume was when it was first published and its continued importance. &;Things have changed but many things remain the same,&; writes Zepeda. &;The pieces in this collection will be meaningful to many still.&;