It's the bruise
with which, she speaks
that bothers me most.
This morning, like every
morning,
her soul
watches from behind
the glass of its gilded
coffin settled
on the night-stand;
remember us,
her stare yells,
remember us;
don't forget
how painful was the mandate
of our expulsion;
daughter of my daughter's daughter
listen to the wind's silence;
no longer can you hear
shouts of warriors echo
across our lands
our voices have been
reduced
to wails of orphaned
infants;
The peach groves
and heart of Dixie
are more red now
our blood has dried
on the soles of their feet.
My lids nod --
dear mother
of my many mothers
I feel your whisper
penning itself across
my skin --
I choke on the bile
rising in my throat;
how I wish
to have known you.
Author notes
In Honor of the Creek Nation.
Oh and in case someone is wondering, Caroline was a Creek Indian and my great, great-grandmother.
Oh and....always editing
Written July 8th, 2006
In a list
What did you think
Comments
1 - 20 of 20
-
An outstanding poem! Such a beautiful tribute piece with real life substance. Your lines have such fluidity - no jolting, disruptive stops here - absolutely lovely and quite touching.
So glad I read this. Best of luck in the contest! There's a spotlight on this one! This deserves a win!
SG
Edited on Jul 23, 11:57 because ''. -
Thanks so much for stopping by and reading. Everytime I look at her picture I see such sadness.
-
It's so interesting you remark that you wished to have known her and I understand this . . .to have touched the flesh of an ancestor, but you sure know her spirit. Speaking from that bruise, a voice that slightly bothers you not to forget or neglect heritage . . . very powerful . . .you reflect your grandmother well. she's proud of you.
-
Hiya Di! Thanks so much for the applause and comment. Hope this finds you well. How's the weather in Italy. Oh, I love Italy. I remember Venice and Aviano so well.(sigh)
-
Hi, this is good free verse it does not try to go over the top with seldom used words, it tells the story with great feel, loved it, hugs Di
-
i wish I could be as proud of my family as you are...keep writing
-
Wow. What a great piece! I really like it!
I always find pieces about American Indians fascinating to read because they had such a great outlook on life. It is incredibly sad what happened the them. And I definitely picked up that sadness in your work. I think you did a really great job of conveying that sadness as well as the proud spirit that resided within them and the way that they lived. You did a wonderful job of expressing yourself here. So good luck in the contest you entered and thanks for featuring this so that we all had a chance to share your words and feelings with you!
-
Thanks so much for stopping by and reading.
-
excellent presentation
Beautiful expression of your love for your great great grandmother. The Indians are such a spiritual group of people. I have much respect for them.
Best wishes in the contest.
Ethereal Melody
-
This poem says more than what the words imply. It holds a great, deep meaning, and to bring it out so well takes skill. As one also of Native American descent, I can truly appreciate this poem for the truth with which it speaks.
-
Thanks so much for the wonderful compliment. Thanks for stopping by.
-
I love your name chocolate poetry, excellent. Thanks so much for stopping by and the wonderful compliment.
-
I think this is just great. There are so many great lines in it I can hardly choose one, and the message, the voice of your ancestor calling out to you to remember is haunting. I live in Carolina, where the ground is indeed more red. It stains my feet also. the calling, "daughter of my daughter's daughter" and "dear mother / of my many mothers" such great lines of maternal lineage. It shares a similar theme with my poem "the essence of life is perpetuated"
-
Wow a what poem with brilliant unique descriptions. I wish I could pick a part which was my favorite, but I would be copying and pasting the majority of the poem. Great job! Pen on.
-
Thanks Jeannie, glad you enjoyed the read. Thanks for stopping by
-
thanks for reading blaze. hope this finds you well.
-
Very beautiful write.
Great job. Wonderful
thoughts expressed
very well of your
heritage.
Thank you for sharing.
Good luck in the contest.
Jeannie D Hunter
-
this is a lovely write and to want to know the ones before us is always a desire and you can just listen to your heart very well done with this piece
love and light
blaze -
Ah ghee, Dee's blushing. Thanks so much for reading and the wonderful compliment. I've been working on this piece off and on for a couple of years.
-
Brilliant!
Adding your comment:
1 - 20 of 20
8 old applause
