Hang around the fort

TowodiGe

First they came to take away the corn and the buffalo.

 I was not worried, I ate beans, squash and elk.

Then they took away warrior class.
 I was not worried, I trapped for pelts.

Then they came to take our youth to brutalized and murdered them if they resisted becoming like them.

I was not worried ,I had no children and they promised that I would be fed.

Then they came to take the fourth leg of the panther,buffalo and Jaguar severing those ancient customary connections and links.

I was not worried I held them in my heart but at least our youth could be relinked

Then they came to take me away, telling me it was for my own good indeed.

I was not worried there were only 10 men with bold faces of cold stone. I sounded a battle cry and looked around to find, I was alone.

They had taken away everything I held dear.
Destroying my entire way of life.

I should have stood to defend when they took the corn away because systematically they devoured my entire way of life.

ARRLRHS

  • Author: TowodiGe (Offline Offline)
  • Published: October 1st, 2021 07:27
  • Comment from author about the poem: The term "hang around the fort" was a term for natives that had befriended colonial governments. They were often offered special treatments for information that the military would use to wipe out entire villages. The four legs of the panther, buffalo and Jaguar were terms of society. Farmers ,crafters, warrior and holy people. Evolution through the legs was often a given except for the medicine class or holy people. Reguardless as to ones position they were respected and valued. Money was not a issue so in essence it was inclusionary not exclusionary. Everyone developed both their weaknesses and natural gifts to contribute. Anyway I hope you enjoy the writing and learned a well guarded historical fact about the four legs and it's meaning
  • Category: Unclassified
  • Views: 7
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Comments1

  • Goldfinch60

    Strong words TowodiGe, what happened to the Native Indians was so awful.
    It still happens now in many cultures.

    Andy

    • TowodiGe

      You are right Andy. They are finding mass grave of hundreds of children esp across canada.the laws and policies ,law enforcement violations and murders uninvestigated in the hundreds each year.its non native citizens that can bring awareness as natives are ignored. But thank you for your wonderful words



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