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Open Poetry #34
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Abe
Senior Member
since 2003-05-28
Posts 694
Looks like Vero Beach, FL until the end!

0 posted 2004-12-19 04:27 PM


"TATANKA"
(Bull Buffalo)

Over a "land bridge" from the North
At the time of the last Ice Age
The Bison came to the Great Plains
And wrote another History’s page.

They numbered in the millions
For as far as the eye could see
A blanket of horn and flesh and fur
Roaming like some dark, living Sea.

Called "Tatanka" by Lakota
The Great Tribe of those Plains
They used every part of their kill
So there were no wasted remains.

The hides for clothing and shelter
To protect them from the bitter cold
The bones turned into useful tools
Skulls, Alters where Prayers were told.

They took only what they needed
From the wealth of Mother Earth
Giving Thanks for all the Blessings
Knowing what each Bison was worth.

A large part of the everyday life
And of stories told in their folk lore
A certain Magic brought to them
From those ancient days of yore.

But then the foreign Peoples came
And wrought destruction on the Herd
Killed the Buffalo by the thousands
The Lakota cries ignored, unheard.

The rivers ran red with the blood
The carcass rotted where they fell
Piles of bleached bones in the sun
And the stench of the rotting smell.

Hides and tongues were sold for money
And soon the wild herds would cease to be
And by the year Nineteen, Aught, Two
They only numbered, twenty-three.

The Whites had thought the Native People
Would die without those Buffalo
So they killed just for the killing
But found those People would not go.

Today those herds are slowly returning
And the Lakota Nation lives on
With the inborn Pride and will to Live
They’ve known since this World’s dawn.


12-19-2004
http://www.storyofthebison.com/bison.htm

Del "Abe" Jones

© Copyright 2004 Del - All Rights Reserved
ThisDiamond
Member Rara Avis
since 2002-02-22
Posts 9353
Michigan, USA
1 posted 2004-12-19 07:54 PM


Such pride for the Lakota eminated in your works.  A great read poet.
TD

Nightshade
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Member Patricius
since 2001-08-31
Posts 13962
just out of reach
2 posted 2004-12-19 09:19 PM


Very interesting write Abe. Happy Holidays to you.  Chris
Sunshine
Administrator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-06-25
Posts 63354
Listening to every heart
3 posted 2004-12-19 09:30 PM


Abe, please, never quit
relating the truth...

Thank you so much!

skyshine
Deputy Moderator 5 ToursDeputy Moderator 1 TourDeputy Moderator 1 Tour
Member Elite
since 2002-02-07
Posts 3058
Beneath the northern stars
4 posted 2004-12-19 11:27 PM


We all need to remember all parts of history. Thanks for telling me the story!!

~sky

Have a Holly Jolly Christmas! Jesus is the reason for the season!!

passing shadows
Member Empyrean
since 1999-08-26
Posts 45577
displaced
5 posted 2004-12-20 05:30 AM


I never did like history class, but if it were taught this way, I'd go back for an upgrade. How I do enjoy your poetry
Susan Caldwell
Member Rara Avis
since 2002-12-27
Posts 8348
Florida
6 posted 2004-12-20 10:59 AM


Very nice poetic tribute.

Well done Abe.

"cast me gently into the morning, for the night has been unkind"
~Sarah McLachlan~

Enchantress
Member Empyrean
since 2001-08-14
Posts 35113
Canada eh.
7 posted 2004-12-20 11:01 AM


Very well penned Del..and much enjoyed the read.
Happy Holidays to you and yours.

     Season's Greetings!

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