Navajo Poet Jake Skeets Reflects on Life in “Drunktown” Over Heartbreak Coffee

Heartbreak Coffee and Conversation With Navajo Poet Jake Skeets.

In the heart of Drunktown, death is a constant companion, just like the horns of trains passing by and the people who inhabit local bars, such as Eddie’s. Grief is a part of life here, with only transient moments of love, beauty, and sensuality offering respite. This raw authenticity is reflected in the words of Navajo poet Jake Skeets. His evocative lines echo the chilling reality of living in Gallup, N.M., also known as “Drunktown.”

Recently, I had an opportunity to sit down for a conversation with Jake Skeets over a cup of Heartbreak Coffee. At the age of 33, Skeets holds the position of John and Renée Grisham Writer in Residence at the University of Mississippi. His words flow from a deep connection with his roots and upbringing in the American Southwest’s desert landscape.

Gallup: A Beginning and Reckoning Point

Skeets shared that his hometown, Gallup, serves as a significant backdrop in his creative process. Located on the famous Route 66 and serving as a juncture for multiple Native Nations, Gallup’s positioning mirrors its cultural intertwinement. Yet, it carries with it the stark reality of death, much of it originates from the train tracks divide the town.

Death comes to not just the drunkards losing their way, but also to those who have lost all hope and chosen to end their lives. Broken dreams and lost hope are almost tangible in the air, to the extent they can be found in his poetry, too. Winners of the National Poetry Series, Skeets’ “Eyes Bottle Dark with a Mouthful of Flowers” is a heart-rending tale of a young boy’s suicide, an unfortunately common issue among the Native American Community.

The Stark Reality of Navajo Nation

The Navajo Nation, possessing a reservation the size of West Virginia, is home to many families living without essential facilities like electricity and running water. With an alarming unemployment rate of 50% and more than half of the adult Navajos suffering from Type 2 diabetes, it’s a breeding ground for myriad social issues, including drug abuse, domestic violence, and crime. Such atrocities only compound the problem of suicide.

Charcoal and Music in Navajo Culture

Drawing upon Navajo wisdom, Skeets explained that charcoal is seen as a symbol of protection in his culture. His poetry also infuses elements of Diné, the intricately structured Navajo language, which emphasizes community well-being over individualism. He considers empty pages or pages bearing nothing more than a dash in his poetry as “breathing room,” space for readers to pause, reflect, and internalize their feelings about the poem.

Looking Ahead

Music is an important facet of Skeets and the broader Navajo culture. He is currently exploring new creative horizons, listening to many 80s music sensations like Black Sabbath, AC/DC, and Guns N’ Roses while working on a novel set in the same era. His poetry showcases a unique rhythm that rings true with Sherwin Bitsui, a fellow Navajo poet, who endorsed his book as the future of Navajo poetry.

Masculinity in Skeets’ Poetry

Skeets explores the theme of masculinity, drawing nuanced insights about its association with violence and the need for physical dominance. He also points out that there is a need to prioritize intimacy more, to shift our focus from violence and destruction towards understanding, empathy, and emotional connection.

Overall, Jake Skeets stands as an embodiment of the Native American spirit – raw, resilient, and creative. As his tenure in Mississippi concludes in May 2024, he looks forward to witnessing more progressive conversations about reconciliation with the past.