Twisted History the Rape of the Plains People
Having finally managed
to remove
the sharpest of jagged
shards from
distant high mountains
and carrying
them home with him ..
He made fire in a hollow
with dry weeds
and the leaves he took
from some
faraway forest which lies
somewhere
beyond the great grey
tumbling river ..
Then he burnt both sage
and saffron
to heal and to colour his
rage and his anger ..
In the wake of the rape
of his people
and all those whom he
loved
and the land he revered ..
Then later
in silence he fashioned
so many
straight arrows from flint
he had
stored and hid in his tepee ..
The rest
is now history albeit twisted ..
Yet before
they eventually crucified him,
they said
it was a massacre and called
him a savage ..
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Comments7
Sometimes what we do doesn't feel enough, and we end up being condemned! Trying to heal our generation is a full-time job!! So, personally, I try healing myself every day, in hopes it carries on!!! "Then he burnt both sage and saffron to heal and to colour his rage and his anger" THIS...is so powerful to me!!! Not sure if this was the intention but....thank you! 💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜
it wasn't not my intention if you get my drift LIZ and I thank you, not only for your impression shared, but for your thank you also .. 💜
A fine write N.
I burnt garlic - what a pong! If one can burn garlic?
I like burnt garlic .. well I like it roasted and laid strategically between slices of rare guineapig 🐀
Argh! not eating guinea pig! I burnt it to make KP feel nauseous. lol.
Probably one of the greatest genocides in human history, the elimination of the indigenous peoples of North, Central, and South America by European peoples. These were cultures that had existed for 30,000 years (latest discoveries prove) and now they are gone. The Plains people were the last to be conquered. And yes, every, what we now call war crimes, were committed to achieve the slaughter. The end result, the countries of Canada, the U.S.A, Mexico, all of Central America and South America. It continued until the early twentieth century, though some say it still continues.
Your poem's focus is one small part of this massacre. Your author's note says it causes you to be ashamed. Don't be, this is characteristic of what mankind was and still is all about. The conquest (slaughter) of people in order to possess their land. - Phil A.
Very much appreciated Phil ..Many thanks indeed my friend .. Neville
Dearest Nev, this poem so strongly resonates, after visiting many sites of Native American Culture on our vacation. You've crafted this beautifully, recounting a history that was distorted for generations. It is only now that our Indiginous Americans are beginning to get the credit and respect they deserve. I sometimes think that when we whites have decimated our earth for gain, the Native People who have held onto their bond with nature will be the ones to bring life back, as it was meant to be. Thank you for the depth of conscience and empathy you possess, it always shines through in the most profound way. A thousand fav's!!!
And a million thank you's are heading your way Bella .. Neville
Very good words Neville, we do not realise the damage we are causing in our world.
Andy
Too few of us do .. thank you Andy .. Neville
Having Native American blood , albeit a tiny morsal, I applause this poem. Enjoyed the read! Love the smell of sage..
I am 98% English & 2% Norse and I love the smell of sage too .. thank you again for spoiling me Dove .. 🤍🕊️
Much too late (wasn't present when you penned this).
1788 saw the start of a similar (tragically similar) story here following the 'settlement' (invasion) by the British in what came to be known as Australia.
You received the kind of response you deserved here, Neville.
I plan on being in Oz & NZ sometime between November 2024 & Jan 2025 not sure of the exact dates or itinerary but have friends in both countries .. cheers DD .. Neville
Noted. And if you are passing.....
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