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Open Poetry #18
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When Spirits Whisper My Name
| Open Poetry #18 |
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When Spirits Whisper My Name |
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suthern
since 1999-07-29
Posts 20723Louisiana 
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~When Spirits Whisper My Name~  I have often wondered As I held in my hand Artifacts from Choctaw Who once walked my land - Did I inherit Through blood or theft? I love my hills But was someone bereft? Cherokee blood flows through my vein Before my Dad's purchase Did anyone deign to buy the land Where I'd eventually live? Was it taken by force Or did someone actually give The owners full value? These thoughts fill my mind Though others would choose To leave the past behind... I can't help but wonder When spirits whisper my name If my presence brings pride? They know they have claimed My heart and ignited A burning desire To feel the breath of justice Fuel the keeper's fire. Photo Credit - Jerome Tiger The Trail Of Tears |
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| © Copyright 2002 suthern - All Rights Reserved | |||
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Irish Rose Member Patricius
since 2000-04-06
Posts 10263 |
Beautiful.....just beautiful. Kathleen-- |
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Logan Senior Member
since 2001-05-28
Posts 1641Arkansas |
Ahhh, suthern. Now, what I think, is that the spirits brought you to that land as you inherit the wind...I loved this write...very gentle smile |
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heather_kitn Member
since 2001-12-07
Posts 61In The Kokapelli's Song |
There is too much beauty and heartfelt emotion here to critique anything! *smiles* Well penned! -heather I do not seek...I find! |
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Janet Marie Member Laureate
since 2000-01-22
Posts 18554 |
These thoughts fill my mind Though others would choose To leave the past behind... I can't help but wonder When spirits whisper my name If my presence brings pride? They know they have claimed My heart and ignited A burning desire To feel the breath of justice Fuel the keeper's fire. =========================================== the fact that you wonder and ponder these things at all shows the respectful intent and compassion you have for these people of pride...and that dear poetess is why when they whisper your name you can feel them in the breeze.... very cool poem Ruth girlie...very cool indeed..wisdom wrapped in rhyme divine. so good to read today and see you romping in the forums where did ya shove the werk monster ... in a filing cabinet  *evil grin*I ask why you come here, you say just because |
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Lady In White
since 2001-02-12
Posts 2799USA |
quote: Just....keep....writing.... |
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Mistletoe Angel 
since 2000-12-17
Posts 32816Portland, Oregon |
   (sigh) Soooooooo beautifully heartfelt, sweet friend, the spirit of the Cherokee and passion will always shine in you, we all love you so so much! (kiss on cheek) I love it, sweet friend, may all our spirits forever kiss the light of the heavens with joy! You have such a beautiful heart, sweet Suthern, thank you for sharing!  May love and light always shine upon you! Love, Noah Eaton |
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wayoutwalt Member Elite
since 1999-06-22
Posts 4870TEXAS (it's all big) |
man that was good suthern thanks |
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Poet deVine
Administrator
Member Seraphic
since 1999-05-26
Posts 22612Hurricane Alley |
Wow....it's a treat to read you Ruth. This is well done! |
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Ivy Rose Senior Member
since 2001-12-29
Posts 1300MA, USA |
I love the Native American flavor of this poem. I hear the whispers of the spirits and the voice of the wind that echoes that of the Great Spirit. This poem reminded me of all of that and more. I LOVED IT!!!! ****Ivy Rose |
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strbbux Member Elite
since 2001-12-19
Posts 3859 |
Very moving poem. I have other friends who are native americans, and they would love this. floria |
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Seymour Tabin Member Empyrean
since 1999-07-07
Posts 31720Tamarac Fla |
Suthern, The wind has been blowing generations, I'm glad you heard it. Lovely write. Sy |
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Enchantress Member Empyrean
since 2001-08-14
Posts 35113Canada eh. |
WONDERFUL write....simply,....WONDERFUL !! ~* A dream is a wish your heart makes... *~ |
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Bill Charles Member Patricius
since 2000-07-11
Posts 10619highways, & byways, for now |
suthern - loved this write. YOu do hold the spirits inside, and they are well... BC |
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Kit McCallum
Administrator
Member Laureate
since 2000-04-30
Posts 14774Ontario, Canada |
"I can't help but wonder When spirits whisper my name If my presence brings pride?" Wonderful pondering in this piece Suthern! I often think of the the past, the land ... titles passed down from person to person, rightfully in some cases, but I've seen cases of trickery in others. In my business I deal with mineral rights (like oil, gas, coal), surface rights, and all sorts of ownership and heirs issues. I am constantly amazed at how people have divided up the land for what what goes back for generations. So many don't even realize that they may only own the surface property, and not what actually lies below the surface. Many times people are surprised to find out that "Grampa" sold off the coal rights, or the oil and gas rights a long time ago. It's pretty fascinating to go through the registry office and see the deeds. Some of the history is really interesting, especially when you go back to the incredible handwritten records from so many years ago. Sheesh, I'm rambling, lol ... thanks for the thought-filled read Suthern ... you got my mind going. Best wishes, /Kit [This message has been edited by Kit McCallum (01-09-2002 07:47 PM).] |
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Balladeer
Administrator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-06-05
Posts 25505Ft. Lauderdale, Fl USA |
Your presence will always bring pride, suthern girl. The past is what the past is....we move on and try to be sure that when our future generations look back on us, they will do so with pride |
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JamesMichael Member Empyrean
since 1999-11-16
Posts 33336Kapolei, Hawaii, USA |
Oh yes this was written with some thought and understanding...James |
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suthern
since 1999-07-29
Posts 20723Louisiana |
Dear Poets - I'm overwhelmed and humbled by your kind and generous responses... and thank you very much!! I grew up finding arrowheads and my finds were treasured immensely... but it was only as an adult that I started wondering about the previous occupants of the land I call home. My Dad's farm lies within the hunting ranges of the Jena Choctaw, but they came dangerously close to losing their very identity and have few records. And land title searches trace back only to the Louisiana Purchase... so I can only speculate, wonder... and listen. *S* But even if the thoughts were tumbling around somewhere in my brain, this poem wouldn't exist without Marge Tindal. I read her incredible poem "Before the Tears" /pip/Forum53/HTML/000610.html and started typing a response... this poem was the result. *S* But she didn't just inspire it... she titled it and formatted it and enhanced it with an incredible picture... and then even posted it for me! *S* I can't thank her enough, but I can send her my sincere appreciation and abundant love... and I do. *S* Many, many thanks to each of you for taking the time to read and respond... I fight the werk monster's clutches fiercely enough to know that time is a precious and limited commodity. *S* Believe me, your words have touched me deeply and are greatly appreciated. *S* [This message has been edited by suthern (01-10-2002 09:53 AM).] |
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catalinamoon
since 2000-06-03
Posts 9543The Shores of Alone |
I think this is a poem you should be proud of. Sandra |
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Marge Tindal
since 1999-11-06
Posts 42384Florida's Foreverly Shores |
SweetSuthernGal~ When the spirits move within you ... they do so with the words of the ancients~ This is a wonderful work of the heart~ You just know that I felt it should be shared with all~ Thank you for letting me 'scramble this EGG'~  I love you~  ~*Marge*~ ~*The pen of the poet never runs out of ink, as long as we breathe.*~ |
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EagleScorpion Senior Member
since 2000-03-08
Posts 1644Here, Now, Forever |
i guess you cant asses the future if youre living in the past, but i must say that it is ok to dwell in it for a while.. besides its what we learn from |
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LngJhnAg Member Elite
since 1999-07-23
Posts 3508Boot+Kitty=Poetry in motion |
Belle - A terrific poem, with a really tricky format. I enjoyed it very much. As for having the poem posted for you, I can do that for you, too. Just send me your password and I'll post everything you want. heh, the lil Belle will fall for this and then there'll be TWO kitty kickers in here! |
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Martie
Moderator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-09-21
Posts 28049California |
Ruth--You are a poet! This is fine, in it's depth of thought and form of words, a wonderful write! |
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jellybeans Member Elite
since 2000-10-13
Posts 2298 |
ok, if anyone can bring me back around its you lady....and yep when the spirits whisper your name, they do so with pride wonderful poem lady....good to see you posting again...even if marge helped you do so |
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Nightshade
since 2001-08-31
Posts 13962just out of reach |
Awesome !!!!! Chris Life is not measured by breaths you take, but by moments that take your breath away. |
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Sunshine
Administrator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-06-25
Posts 63354Listening to every heart |
I thought perhaps you had been studying under Marge's candle, the format was so "hers"...but it stands well the poem, and the poem the history...thank you for the research on this, for from such beginnings, rises awesome work.... and Lady, you are one awesome work... |
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Kethry Member Rara Avis
since 2000-07-29
Posts 9082Victoria Australia |
suthern, I knew this would be beautiful when I saw your name...but it is not beautiful...It is awesome. IWIHWT Kethry Here in the midst of my lonely abyss, a single joy I find...your presence in my mind. Unknown |
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suthern
since 1999-07-29
Posts 20723Louisiana |
I will now go to the blackboard and serve my penance by writing 500 times Marge is right. Marge is right. Why hesitate or argue? Marge is always right! (Of course... this is a virtual world... so I'll utilize my cut and paste options. *G*) catalinamoon: Thank you... I am proud of it. *S* As a dear friend told me "if the spirits hadn't brought it to your heart it would remain unsaid"... I'm very proud they chose me for this gift. *S* Eagle Scorpion: "Those who don't remember the past are doomed to repeat it" ... I hope we are learning. *S* Thank you for reading! LJA: Thank you... I'm so glad you enjoyed! *S* As for your posting offer... It's true, I AM blonde... and I've been known to be too naive for my own good. *G* But I LOVE cats, sailor... I'll kick the kitty-kickers!!! LOL Martie: I appreciate those kind words so very much... thank you! *S* jellybeans: I'll do anything to keep you around, dear friend... even *gasp* post poems if that's what it takes! LOL Thank you so much! Nightshade: Thank you! *S* Sunshine: Her candles ARE made of magic, aren't they? *S* And yammean someone was complimenting me when they called me a real piece of work? Hmmm... I'll have to remember to thank them. *G* Thank you so much, Sunshiney One... I'm glad you like! *S* Kethry: I don't think anyone has ever said that to me before... I am touched to the core of my being... and so very grateful. Thank you! *S* And last but certainly not least... Thank you, Marge. *S* You can cook in my kitchen ANY time, dear lady... with my eternal gratitude. *S* |
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Larry C
since 2001-09-10
Posts 10286United States |
No boot... but a *bump* |
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Marge Tindal
since 1999-11-06
Posts 42384Florida's Foreverly Shores |
Tee-Hee ! A 'Grandma-is-RIGHT bumper upper ! AND it stands on the beauty of your spirited thoughts~ I LOVE YOU GAL~ *Hugs* ~*Marge*~ ~*The pen of the poet never runs out of ink, as long as we breathe.*~ |
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icequeen Senior Member
since 2001-12-09
Posts 633FL USA |
Simply beautiful... I am researching my family history now and though have not found any Native Americans in the mixture of Scot, Irish, German and a spattering of what may be Portuguese, there is the continued whisper in the family lore that one of our great grandparents was Blackfoot or Apache or Choctaw (they can't seem to remember exactly what tribe!) From the cheekbones and dark eyes in this family I can believe it LOL - I noticed though, that the whisper used to be the shameful sort, as was typical then, but now has turned to pride and a fascination. Understanding must surely be around the bend, and your writing helps to bring it closer. Thank you for a wonderful piece of poetry! |
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suthern
since 1999-07-29
Posts 20723Louisiana |
Larry: Remembering the post that prompted your bump, I can only chuckle with chagrin... this really was written in 5 minutes. *G* Marge: Thank you is insufficient... but I do thank you, dear lady... for the inspiration and the presentation. *S* And I love you too, beaming grandma... very much. *S* icequeen: Those whispers have changed tone, haven't they? *S* Thank you so very much for your wonderful response... it it truly appreciated and has made my afternoon. *S* |
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passing shadows Member Empyrean
since 1999-08-26
Posts 45577displaced |
breathless! |
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