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Open Poetry #14
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Left Behind - For Marge Tindal
| Open Poetry #14 |
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Left Behind - For Marge Tindal |
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Trillium 
since 2001-03-09
Posts 12098Idaho, USA 
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Soldiers are coming! It's hard to believe. How can they come here and force us to leave? Winter approaching. Our food crops are in. Times of great sadness about to begin. I feel in my soul, a sense it is true. Pray for the guidance to see us all through. I look at my daughter, babe at my breast. Know I will leave her. It is for the best. I have a good friend, as white as the snow, Who'll raise her like one of her own I know. In darkness I hurry, always aware, The fate of my people is waiting back there. I reach the small farm and knock on the door. My friend comes to meet me. Stabbed to the core, I give her my child and I feel my heart tear. Draw on deep strengths for the pain I must bear. The babe there between us, we make a pact. If I'm alive at the end of this act, Somehow I'll return from this trail of tears, We both know that it may be many years. More likely it's never. If there's a way, I will hold them both in my arms someday. She promises into those young ears she'll pore The stories and ways of Cherokee lore And so if I die, my daughter will know, She's left behind, because I love her so! Betty Lou Hebert |
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| © Copyright 2001 Betty Lou Hebert - All Rights Reserved | |||
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Lighthousebob Member Elite
since 2000-06-14
Posts 4725California |
Trillium, A very sad tale depicting the Chrokee Nation and the the Trail of Tears as many honorable people lost their lives during that time in history. I am sure that Marge will love this poem. Bob <>< |
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Mysteria
since 2001-03-07
Posts 18328British Columbia, Canada |
What a fabulous poem! What more can I say except you put every emotion to work in your poem through truth. Sometimes the truth hurts, and the Trail of Tears, was a crime and a death path of shame. I commend you on a job well done on a subject that is often ignored, and thank you for respecting the Cherokee Nation with this wonderful poem (my best friends are part Cherokee and so proud of their roots)! ~*~ Tell someone you love them today, as tomorrow may never come ~*~ [This message has been edited by Mysteria (edited 06-22-2001).] |
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Logan Senior Member
since 2001-05-28
Posts 1641Arkansas |
Very well done Trillium, a bitter piece of history. As my wife has Cherokee blood in her, I can identify with the passions involved here..gentle smile, thank you for a moving read [This message has been edited by Logan (edited 06-22-2001).] |
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Joyce Johnson
since 2001-03-10
Posts 9912Washington State |
Dear Trillium this is wonderfully done and bitterly sad. A story that needs to be told again and again. Joyce |
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Cpat Hair
since 2001-06-05
Posts 11793 |
there are many sad tales of the Indians plight.. well presented.. |
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Decaflame Senior Member
since 2001-05-11
Posts 1635 |
Trillium, I know that Marge will be so very appreciative of reading this. Thank you for your open and warm heart. |
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SEA
Moderator
Member Seraphic
since 2000-01-18
Posts 22676with you |
my goodness, this just goes right to the heart and makes you feel sooooo much....wonderfully done  |
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Sudhir Iyer Member Ascendant
since 2000-04-26
Posts 6943Mumbai, India : now in Belgium |
A very sad one... Excellently penned thoughts Regards, Sudhir "I was born intelligent - education ruined me" |
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Trillium
since 2001-03-09
Posts 12098Idaho, USA |
Bob: Thanks for your comments. I sent this poem to Marge before I published it, as I wanted her approval first. What I write about the Cherokee is based on what I read and I wanted her opinion. I also have a daughter-in-law who is part Cherokee, but she doesn't know a great deal about her roots, unfortunately. Great girl however and I am sharing what I read with her. Betty Lou Hebert |
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Trillium
since 2001-03-09
Posts 12098Idaho, USA |
Mysteria: Thank you so much for your kind remarks! I had Marge read this first, before posting it, to make sure it was acceptable to her. It's a story that certainly bears repeating. I'm so glad that it moved you! Betty Lou Hebert |
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Trillium
since 2001-03-09
Posts 12098Idaho, USA |
Logan and Joyce: Thank you both for your comments and for being sympathetic to the subject matter. Betty Lou Hebert |
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Trillium
since 2001-03-09
Posts 12098Idaho, USA |
Cpat Hair and Decaflame: I appreciate your reading and commenting on this poem and your understanding. Thanks. Betty Lou Hebert |
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Trillium
since 2001-03-09
Posts 12098Idaho, USA |
SEA: Thanks for commenting. I'm glad it touched you and appreciate your reading it. Betty Lou Hebert |
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Trillium
since 2001-03-09
Posts 12098Idaho, USA |
Sudhir Iyer: Thanks for reading and making comments and I appreciate your sympathetic response. Betty Lou Hebert |
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Elizabeth Santos Member Rara Avis
since 1999-11-08
Posts 9269Pennsylvania |
THank you for this heart wrenching account. This is a poem to be read from time to time as a reminder of the past. Very well done Liz |
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Trillium
since 2001-03-09
Posts 12098Idaho, USA |
Liz: Thank you so much for your nice comments. Betty Lou Hebert |
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Marge Tindal
since 1999-11-06
Posts 42384Florida's Foreverly Shores |
BettyLou~ You know that I appreciate this tender render very much. My heart swells with pride at the memory of my people. Many, many friendships were bonded between the mothers of our time. Your poem rings with such truth of events that touch us all. Thank you for sharing, sweet poet. *Hugs* ~*Marge*~ ~*The pen of the poet never runs out of ink, as long as we breathe.*~ |
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Suetang Member Ascendant
since 2001-03-07
Posts 5187Melbourne, Australia |
Betty Lou, I thought this was absolutely beautiful, thank you.........Sue Suetang |
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Trillium
since 2001-03-09
Posts 12098Idaho, USA |
Marge: I am so glad you liked this and it pays tribute to all the mothers of your People, who lost their children during that sad time. Thanks for your loving comments. Betty Lou Hebert |
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Trillium
since 2001-03-09
Posts 12098Idaho, USA |
Sue: Thank you for your sweet comments. I am hoping you got the e-mail reply I sent you this evening. Betty Lou Hebert |
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Balladeer
Administrator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-06-05
Posts 25505Ft. Lauderdale, Fl USA |
yes, it is indeed a story that needs to be retold again and again...and you have done so very well.. |
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Trillium
since 2001-03-09
Posts 12098Idaho, USA |
Balladeer: Thank you for commenting and I'm glad you approve. Betty Lou Hebert |
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suthern
since 1999-07-29
Posts 20723Louisiana |
Heart-wrenching tale told beautifully... well done! |
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