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Open Poetry #14
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John Yaws
Senior Member
since 1999-10-09
Posts 860
Texas

0 posted 2001-05-22 11:58 PM



I know the plains and mountains,
Like the back of my own hand.
My Mama was a Ponca squaw,
My Dad, a mountain man...

He trapped with “Old Gabe” Bridger-
And Russell Osborne, too-
And spoke the language of the Crow,
The Cheyenne, and the Sioux.

I grew up wearing buckskin,
And hunting buffalo.
I thought I was an Indian...
Why, how was I to know?

The Army paid me wages-
When scouting was their need...
But at the Post, they passed me by-
Another “stinkin’ Breed”.

Good enough in danger-
I kept them all alive.
And risked my life a hundred times-
To help the troops survive.

My blood’s as red as their’s is-
When with them I do bleed...
In battle I’m a fighting man...
In garrison... A “Breed’.

Halfbreed’s what they called me.
And I admit it true...
Is that my fault? I’m not ashamed-
I’m just as good as you!

Both of my people shun me-
And inwardly I bleed...
I am a man of dignity...
Don’t call me “stinkin’ Breed”.



© Copyright 2001 John R. Yaws - All Rights Reserved
joycerogers
Member
since 2001-05-16
Posts 83
Texas
1 posted 2001-05-23 01:23 AM


Gunslinger, you can sho sling that rhyme honey!  I enjoyed that poem so much.  And to think, I don't even like cowboy poetry.  Yet, this is very excellent writing, because something is captured so well here...pain, rejections and the need to be understood.

Well written gunslinger...well written indeed!

Observe the animals and they shall teach you the nature of life in man. Observe the earth and it shall reveal the nature of life in God.

- Joyce

Irie
Senior Member
since 1999-12-01
Posts 1493
Washington State
2 posted 2001-05-23 02:33 AM


I've never understood that of poeple.
I just don't get it.

Awesome piece of work here Sir!

~Sheri

"The things that come to those that wait may be the things
left by those who got there first"



inot2B
Member Elite
since 2000-09-18
Posts 2205
Arkansas
3 posted 2001-05-23 10:54 AM


I promise to never call you "stinkin Breed", as long as you keep writing your stories. I'll just call you, Gunslinger, the man who wields a mighty pen.
Titia Geertman
Member Ascendant
since 2001-05-07
Posts 5182
Netherlands
4 posted 2001-05-23 12:50 PM


Very touchy poem, loved it.
Yes, all over the world people still call other people names because they think they are different, never could understand why.
Be proud to be half Indian, I know I would.

Titia

serenity blaze
Member Empyrean
since 2000-02-02
Posts 27738

5 posted 2001-06-19 10:00 AM


Love you Mr. Gun!!!!!

This is a great story and timeless too...melting pot, eh? Hugs you...Well done, as always a story well told with great flow!

Mother_Earth
Senior Member
since 2000-11-20
Posts 1370
1/2 year Texas & 1/2 year Michigan
6 posted 2001-06-19 11:45 AM


This is great but oh, so true.  I catch myself thinking of different names for people.  Most are nicknames, but as I check them out, some aren't very nice.  Guess I will think before I say certain names and words.  Thanks, sir for the lesson.   ME
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