In the caves where all life started
In the hills of Sacred Black
Lives the culture of my people
Red Yellow White and Black.
On the mountain rolls the spirit
In the Wheel I make my plea -
May I find the strength to honor
What my people taught to me
May I soar with Flying Eagle
May I hear the Voice of Hawk
May I know my blessed purpose
As these sacred lands I walk.
Our hearts are torn and heavy
As we look around to see
The name of General Custer -
Cold hearted blasphemy
To honor such a killer
On the greatest of our land.
The removal of this insult
We respectfully demand.
Heal this wound of distant slaughter
We’ll live in Unity
When this sacrilegious insult
Is replaced by dignity.
May we soar with Flying Eagle
May we hear the Voice of Hawk
May we know our blessed purpose
As these sacred lands we walk.
Author notes
In support of efforts by the Lakota to see the name of Custer removed from the heart of their Universe.
They continue to petition to have Custer's name removed from the town and park at the base of the mountain that holds their sacred Medicine Wheel.
"Live a good life my Grandson and Respect all living things, try to understand them, remember it is not your place to judge but it is your place to protect and love them, do these things for these things are the ways of a true WARRIOR, carry this way of life on and you will forever see and hear me."
Fight on, Moses J. Brings Plenty.
Written April 6th, 2004
In a list
A contest entry
- Native American Poetry by Hoosierpoet.
400 points, ended April 14, 2004, 17 entries
Gold trophy winner
• next poem in this contest, remove from contest
What did you think
Comments
1 - 19 of 19
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A very noble endeavor this write is. Everything about it speaks of righteousness and justice. If the truth be known Custer was a butcher and his name should be removed. Custer's own arrogance lead to his demise.
Sincerely,
Leo Long -
This is a beautiful piece! The rhyming scheme adds to the justification. Good job - congratulations!
~Elsie -
A poem written with great depth, feeling and conviction. A worthy winner.. Congratulations ~Katie~
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This is brilliant- just brilliant
What a worthy winner!!
david -
I took great pleasure in reading these flawless lines. You have created just the right mood with the beat and the rhythm of the words, and you drive your points home beautifully with the refrain. A truly delightful reading experience.
Best wishes,
Moses -
This has a great tone of pride and nobility
that's hard to forget. I think you're behind
a just and righteous cause. After all, how can
we continue to celebrate the bloodshed of what
is now our own people, on either side.
You are such a versatile writer! -
I too read the book "Bury My Heart At Wounded knee, also the book "That Dark And Bloody River".. your sentiments are well founded in that one cannot deny history, the facts ARE the facts no matter how the world tries to camouflage it..I have been studying Native American History for some time now and my heart has shed tears for this humble, proud people. Nothing will ever be able to take away their heritage, they can and did take their land, however, the former will always be in the hearts of those who listen to the truth passed down by generation after generations.. well done!! ~wishintreeUK~ (Katie)
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Amazing how insensitive some authorities can be isn't it.
Well, good luck to the Lakota and good luck to you onewhospeaksfromtheheart. -
Autumn Sky,
I stand on those hills and feel the absolute presence of Crazy Horse and all he represents - how can one not be moved? Some would compare it to being in a cathedral. I say it is more. -
Excellent read!
A fine tribute indeed worded in a way in which the reader feels the indian's pride for his sacred lands! Great rhyme and flow..a pleasure to read! This almost reads like a song - especially this staza here ..a chorus
May we soar with Flying Eagle
May we hear the Voice of Hawk
May we know our blessed purpose
As these sacred lands we walk.
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I have never read anything like this before I love the way its written good job
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I'm loving the use of a chorous in this piece, it really helps give it a very "native american" feel of "chanting" that helps evoke the atmosphere and emotion you set up very nicely in this piece.
My only criticism would be that a few times the "hurt" and "pain" in this piece is overlook by the use of cliched lines that just make it seem like you can sum it up in one sentence.
Great powerful poem here. -
This is a very good poem that I thoroughly enjoyed reading. I wish you luck in the contest.
Damon D. Brewer -
great poem and with a social purpose too. don't know much US history but even I know the custers and bushes who claim that god's on their side whatever henious stuff they do surely don't deserve monuments.
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Hey, what did Colonel Mustard ever do to you? YOu got it all wrong lady, it was Mrs PeaCOCK in the Library with the candlestick.
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Perhaps I should read up on my history concerning Custer. But anyway - this is a simply fantastic poem. The rhymes flow smoothly and it had a strong sense of freedom and hope about it.
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I am very pleased to read yuor sentiments and may I add I think you have done a wonderful job of depicting a historical fact that many prople shy away from..in fear they will be ridiculed or scorned. I applaud you...if you have a moment..you might want to read my "Salute to the Cherokee Nation" not nearly as well done as yours, but I felt it needed to be said...may the spirits of your forefathers light your way
shastadaisey123 -
A beautiful tribute to your people. I'm don't have any Indian blood..at least I don't think so.. to have that name removed would be one of the greatest moments to your people. Good luck in the contest. Thanks for sharing.
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Beautifully written! I see where you're comming from! Wonderful poem! I love the descriptions and the length was great! Keep up the wonderful work! Great!
Our hearts are torn and heavy
As we look around to see
The name of General Custer -
Cold hearted blasphemy
To honor such a killer
On the greatest of our land.
Beautifully written!
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1 - 19 of 19
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