Before many moons, and not so very long ago,
the prairies of the west were host, to countless buffalo.
And the many ethnic tribes, used them to subsist,
were completely dependent on them,to exist.
They used their hide for moccasins, clothing and Tepee,
they killed them just for food, otherwise let them be.
Each evening by the campfires, when dusk drew nigh,
they’d sing tribal songs to the great Spirit in the sky.
One fateful day the palefaces came, each one with a gun,
slaughtering the buffalo for “sport” and just for “fun.”
Left their useful carcases rotting in the midday heat,
whilst the tribesman looked on in disgust, at this loathsome feat.
In their covered wagons lay huge rolls of barbed wire,
they used to fence off all the land that they desire.
Something the tribesman just could not understand,
avaricious paleface greed for ownership of land.
Then one day yellow metal was found in the ground,
they said it was Gold and the news soon got around..
They stampeded like buffalo, when a Cougar’s about
although the truth of the matter,was somewhat in doubt.
They brought picks and shovels, barbed wire for round their “claim,”
the “gold’s” too soft for arrows, thought the braves with some disdain.
The palefaces drank firewater, which made them act so strange,
they’d draw their “six shooters" and shoot all within their range.
Soldiers soon arrived, from the green and pleasant land,
with bibles in their pockets, and a gun in either hand.
Hoping with which,“the savages” to civilize,
by putting a bullet right between their eyes
Then came up with a solution to ”their” situation
they’d herd each native tribe, onto a barren reservation.
the result of which is carried, right through to this day
they’re second class citizens, of the good old U.S.A..
.
.
Author notes
judmc....U.S. History
A contest entry
- Anything Goes by Shancy Fayre.
700 points, ended January 5, 27 entries
Honorable mention
• next poem in this contest, remove from contest - Slavery/Captivity In Your Eyes by upperworld06.
550 points, ended January 28, 16 entries
Honorable mention
• next poem in this contest, remove from contest - very tough contest :P (don't just sit and enjoy your holidays without poetry ) by abuyi.
1400 points, ended February 22, 44 entries
Honorable mention
• next poem in this contest, remove from contest - #185 for Winklings & all friends of Winklers by Lyndon.
2100 points, ended October 11, 16 entries
• next poem in this contest, remove from contest - Roll Call by crivanea.
700 points, ended September 19, 15 entries
• next poem in this contest, remove from contest - Here.We.GO. by RainbowXButterflies.
550 points, ended October 3, 67 entries
• next poem in this contest, remove from contest
Comments
1 - 28 of 28
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you touch on topics dear to my heart. An interesting and enjoyable read. Well done.
Rory
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Other than some minor errors ...
this is a good job. No one can possibly deny that your heart is in the right place.
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I remember reading that indigines would use every part of the bison and show respect for the animal's life they took, while the "white man" was only interested in one part of the animal, the meat perhaps, or the fur? It was truly wrong ... the injustice that the native Americans suffered, and continue to suffer. The land and beast were laid to waste also.
Your poem is thought-provoking. I think it could be improved with more work on the meter and punctuation. I have a suggestion for line 2: "to countless buffalo".
Also, try not to use a comma to separate subject and verb.
THANK YOU FOR ENTERING.
Danni
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very nice oh yes..i had to read quite a bit of the NN history...especially about those poor buffalo that got slaughtered ...so sad...quite an extensive write and nice rhyme scheme with a strong message
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Very nice
A lot of good history and well written. Thank you for entering my contest and good luck
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Thanks again for entering this in my contest.
Moses
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a lot of information, and a lot of food for thought. Thanks for entering this in the contest.
Moses -
now I wonder why the english man here does not write about his own country.. I am part Catawba and Cherokee who remained in NC.
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Rheea
If you really want to read some anti-british poems of mine(actually
they are anti war) try "Blair" (The warmonger pal of George.w.Bush)
"The Empire" (a Damming inditement of British Colonialism)
"Legal Murder" ( The murder of an innocent Brazillian)By british
Police.Incidently "The Palefaces" who hounded your ancesters into barren reservations killing thousands of them were British.
.I just wrote a nice love poem for you it's called "Memories"
hope you enjoy it Best Wishes your old pal...George.. ..
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They made us many promises, more than I can remember, but they never kept but one; they promised to take our land, and they took it.
Red Cloud
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this piece was very well done. i mean you did a stellar job with taking this topic and really turning it into a stunning poem. thanks for entering
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I thought I was the only one who used the word Subsist
. lOl. Excellent write.
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i absolutly love the subltle ryhme. it actually tookme amomnet to realize there was a rhyme to this poem.
My favorite lines:
"In their covered wagons lay huge rolls of barbed wire,
they used to fence off all the land that they desire.
Something the tribesman just could not understand,
avaricious paleface greed for ownership of land."
great write. thank you for entering and goodluck in the contest. -
this shows so much history,
great write
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i loved this write.. beautiful.
"they’re second class citizens, of the good old U.S.A."
the subject was not easy to write but you smooth with it.
best of luck in the contest and thanks for entering
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Interesting narative. The flow is uninterupted and smooth. Thank you for entering
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narrative is smooth
This is like a peek into history of the USA...you have managed to package a lot into the poem. Someone mentioned that when the Indians were around, before things changed in the US, there was no currency used but education was free, medicines were free, food was free in a way, the air was fresh, the natural elements balanced and the land was fertile...and then along came the government that thought they could improve on it.
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I love the last line, so true yet so sad, gosh i hate it. We actually just finished talking about "americanizing" the native AMERICANS in history class and a lot of this was dead on. good job and good luck
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A brilliant piece of history set out in an easy to read way for all to understand. Well done for the style and the content, a pleasure to read.
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Your Poetic Offering
of rhyme has much of historical comment. In its' wholeness, you have crafted a true testament to the reality of the history that played out.
I can appreciate and agree with the sentiment behind your words. If only it had not been so, however we must look to the Great Spirit to right what was wrong in His time. Only He has the ability or authority to judge, and put events into motion to correct.
I thoroughly enjoyed this offering.
Niaish
Silent Hawk
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The fury rages within my heart as a tear rests upon these cheeks for one false word could not be found on the path which still continues today.
Beautifully composed heartfelt poem. Thank you for the courage to post.
Peace in light and love
Noah
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Noah20Tymatal
Many Thanks for your kind comments on"The Palefaces" I'm glad you liked it.Best Wishes and Kindest Regards.....George...
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great read and beautiful flow. cleverly written and different
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Different from the type of poems i expected to recieve in the contest but none-the-less a fantastic write.
I love the rhythm and rhyme and how it all fits in so perfectly using well-chosen words to describe the overrun of the red indian culture.
Great write
rob
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Now, this is what I'm looking for, things that spark, things that are different. I really enjoyed this. I think many Americans can trace their lineage back to Native Indian descent. I know I can. Thank you for entering. Good job. Shancy.
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unfortunately true
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Sad sentiments extremely well expressed.
A pleasure to read.
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Black Narcissus
Many Thanks for your kind comments on "The Palefaces" so glad you enjoyed reading it...Best Wishes George...
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