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Open Poetry #21
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Whiteman's Fears
| Open Poetry #21 |
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Whiteman's Fears |
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Mark Bohannan Member Rara Avis
since 2000-06-21
Posts 7269In the winds of Cherokee song 
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Whiteman's Fears With winter skies bearing the grey of their soul Canvassing the terrain with the purity of breath Stains of ancient pride flowed against the toll Surrendering to the torment of merciless death The youth of a nation fell ... one for each mile Disappearing against the frozen "Trail of Tears" Ancestory was lost to a conviction without trial Puddles of red were born to whiteman's cheers The eagle didn't fly ... the wolf traveled alone The bear hid in shame ... and the owl went mute Treaties were broken in lies that were grown Dreams lay trampled under the soldier's boot Pride was stolen and tossed to winter's wind Hearts were torn as native souls were bound Leaving starvation as this day's chore to tend One by one a nation fell to the frozen ground Harmony of life left in decaying leaves of oak As the circle of wisdom fell to hatred's cloak Mark Bohannan Adanhdo yulehwistana, ayohusgo yvwi (When the heart stops, a person dies) [This message has been edited by Mark Bohannan (06-21-2002 10:20 AM).] |
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| © Copyright 2002 Mark Bohannan - All Rights Reserved | |||
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serenity blaze Member Empyrean
since 2000-02-02
Posts 27738 |
hey angelface--- I heard the chant, and danced the dance in rhythm to this eternal drum-- even as my eyes are dry, my soul weeps a tide. have missed ya, lovie. |
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Sunshine
Administrator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-06-25
Posts 63354Listening to every heart |
So good to have you home, Cowboy... keep bringing in the messages... we still all have a lot to learn... |
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Kethry Member Rara Avis
since 2000-07-29
Posts 9082Victoria Australia |
Mark, I know this is about native Americans, but I got images of the steppes of Russia where a nation was betrayed. Are you entering this in serenity's freedom challenge? Good work Kethry Here in the midst of my lonely abyss, a single joy I find...your presence in my mind. Unknown |
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LngJhnAg Member Elite
since 1999-07-23
Posts 3508Boot+Kitty=Poetry in motion |
mark - This is reallypowerful. I hope we've grown since then. |
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Janet Marie Member Laureate
since 2000-01-22
Posts 18554 |
With winter skies bearing the grey of their soul Canvassing the terrain with the purity of breath Stains of ancient pride flowed against the toll Surrendering to the torment of merciless death The youth of a nation fell ... one for each mile Disappearing against the frozen "Trail of Tears" Ancestory was lost to a conviction without trial Puddles of red were born to whiteman's cheers The eagle didn't fly ... the wolf traveled alone The bear hid in shame ... and the owl went mute Treaties were broken in lies that were grown Dreams lay trampled under the soldier's boot ======================================== When you read this to me, I said it was "stark", "cold" and full of the "harsh realities"...reading it myself made that impact even more so...as LJ said... the words and images are powerful...like a kick in the chest and a lump in the throat. Any of these words Ive used wont due the shame of this ones truth's justice. So much could be learned from our past mistakes and from the Native American philosophies and applied to the way we act today...I'm not sure how much mankind has grown when it comes to how we treat each other or the land we live on. as always...I learn from you ... "Maga (a-da-we'-hi) tsi-lu?-gi hi-lu?-gi, ka ... ak to v his di tsi-lu?-gi, hi-lu?-gi, ka ( oh I hope that says what I meant it to)  So...whats the Cherokee word for moth anyway.  "With winter skies bearing the grey of their soul Canvassing the terrain with the purity of breath how beautiful and cool are those lines and images.  mothyme "It's not about having what you want ... |
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sigheyes Member
since 2001-04-25
Posts 323the winds of destiny |
way cool Mark. *s* |
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Gentle Spirit Member Patricius
since 2000-10-09
Posts 13989 |
Pride was stolen and tossed to winter's wind Hearts were torn as native souls were bound Leaving starvation as this day's chore to tend One by one a nation fell to the frozen ground Harmony of life left in decaying leaves of oak As the circle of wisdom fell to hatred's cloak How these words do hit home Mr. B Perfectly constructed, and well, you knew you had me from the title. We can never speak enough of them. Thank you friend.... I could have missed the pain, but I'd have had to miss the dance~~(Garth) |
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Magnus
since 2001-10-10
Posts 14135South Carolina, USA |
Mark, You write so beautifully of a culture that mystifies many of us. And the tragedy written of is a shameful part of our history which we should never forget...and never allow to happen again... |
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Martie
Moderator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-09-21
Posts 28049California |
Hi Mark Your words are points at a past that hurts to see, but we need to be aware, for the attitude still hides within us. You write with surety and purpose. Very impressive! It is so good to see you!  |
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catalinamoon
since 2000-06-03
Posts 9543The Shores of Alone |
It is a sad commentary on the country, isn't it. Very well written, and heartbreaking. Does this mean you are staying around a while? Sandra |
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Madame Chipmunk Member Rara Avis
since 2001-12-05
Posts 8296Michigan |
Hi Mark, This is the first of your poems, I've ever read...and I am very impressed! I agree with Martie...Hatred does hide within us. We try and we try and I think our generation is finally getting it right, but my parents were always so very bigoted and yet they masqueraded it so well... Absolutely fantastic poem, you have written...I would like to read more of your work...  ~ hugs from a chipmunkLyra |
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JamesMichael Member Empyrean
since 1999-11-16
Posts 33336Kapolei, Hawaii, USA |
Well said Mark...James |
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Marge Tindal
since 1999-11-06
Posts 42384Florida's Foreverly Shores |
MarkB~ Nicely done Rainbow Warrior ...~ So many have no knowledge of the atrocities done to the American Indians ...~ Pages of history ... depicting only a fragment of the loss~ The carnage was devastating ... and the REAL stories should bring tears to the eyes of all~ Sadly, it is not yet over ... even today the abuse continues ... so in reality ... our government has learned nothing ... guess they grew up reading the same 'history' books we were forced to read ...~ We are a forgiving breed ... the peace will come~ someday ..... Love you dear seeker of truth~ *Hugs* ~*WillowWhiteFeather*~ ~*The pen of the poet never runs out of ink, as long as we breathe.*~ |
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Cherokee Child Junior Member
since 2002-05-29
Posts 13 |
Mom was right, I can learn so much here. Not only about writing, but about my heritage. Thank you. |
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rosepetals25
since 2000-05-31
Posts 3076PA |
Mark, It is so good to read you again  this poem is so well done. The quote at the end was a perfect touch. I very much enjoyed.Hugs to you, Tara "My heart is like an open book, for the whole world to read" |
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Mistletoe Angel
since 2000-12-17
Posts 32816Portland, Oregon |
 (tears fall down my cheeks) Oh Mark, this is soooooo very heartbreaking and so very true, sweet friend, being part of the Cherokee Tradition, I feel I have been robbed so very much and it too saddens and angers me to see how men like that have cruelly tied us in the chain mail of their government ways and forced us to think and believe in something that contradicts what we practice many years before! (sad sigh) I fear that much greater madness may come, yet I am so very proud that the stories and tales of my culture remain and I hope it stays that way and all indias can be respected more and more, and I will see to it the condor will always have an aerie to gaze upon! (sigh) This is powerful, sweet friend, we all love you so much! You have such a beautiful heart, sweet Mark, thank you for sharing! May love and light always shine upon you! Love, Noah Eaton "Underneath your clothes there's an endless story..." |
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Marsha
since 2000-07-10
Posts 7423Maidstone Kent England |
Mark darling boy this is utterly utterly perfect, so much pain written in these words, so well you expose the aching the loss of heritage the criminal way the Native Americans were treated, your pen is always powerful never more so than when you write of what your soul asks you to. Absolutely wonderful writing. You’ve described so well the pain and the ongoing tragedy, and yet your wards carry so much truth within them. Utterly utterly wonderful writing.   Love and warm stuff As always Mushy  Breathe through the heat of our desire |
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Anvrill Senior Member
since 2002-06-21
Posts 710in the interzone now |
Wow... It's written in such a classic form. |
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rwood Member Elite
since 2000-02-29
Posts 3793Tennessee |
My grandmother once told me..that the Smoky Mountains..Hold such mist of tears in spirit waiting for the rest of the walk ones. The gates of the spirit world embracing. I am moved by her belief and by your write. It may be just because she told me that..but I really do feel as if the soil means something more to me...as if it breathes there.. Someday breathing won't be necessary for any of us.. Until then we must learn the truth..and feel it. I appreciate you deeply. Sincerely, Reg |
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Mark Bohannan Member Rara Avis
since 2000-06-21
Posts 7269In the winds of Cherokee song |
serenity-Thank you much ... I have missed being here. Karilea-As do I. Thank you Kethry-The images unfortunately can be ones that remind us of much of the worlds history in one way or another. As for the challenge, I didn't even know of it before now. Thank you very much for always being so wonderful with your replies. LJ- We can only hope and try to teach all that we can. Thank you much. It is always a treat to find you here. JM- As you know ... change doesn't really help if the understanding isn't there and of course you know of my passion to COMPLETELY understand. Thank you for always being the BEST there is when it comes to being a true friend and not only that but you make a heck of a good secretary as well. LOL I knew you would be impacted more so by reading the piece than you would by hearing me read it and I am elated each and every time you find just a little more understanding by NOT knowing, but feeling. BTW ... YES, you got it right and that was a treat in itself and as for the "moth" ... that would be "wasotla" Thank you dear one and --------well, ya know girlie. sigheyes-Thank you much. Gentle Spirit (Donna)-As always, your wonderful replies and sincerity are very much appreciated. I am glad you enjoyed and also that you find something to grasp in my Native American works. Thank you very much. Magnus-Thank you for the kind words and thoughts but unfortunately, it does continue and seems to be spreading more each day. The upside is that more and more people are also beginning to understand and feel a compassion to learn of the heritage of this country. Martie- Ya know ... some people just make ya smile by showing up and you my dear friend are definitely one of them people. Thank you from the bottom of my heart and much love to you sweet petal pusher. Sandra-Let's see ... that would be a yes and a YES. Thank you much as always. Lyra- Thank you dearly for those kind words and I too look forward to reading your works as well. James-Thank you much. Marge- I don't know of the rainbow warrior stuff, but hey, if you say so then who am I to argue. Yes it still continues, but finally in the past couple of months, some things are happening in the positive and thanks to a new alignment within the Cherokee school system, the native tongue (Eastern Dialect) is finally growing and being spoke in leaps and bounds and is now well over the 10,000. As for the government, wellllllllllllllllllll ... we could go on and on when it comes to them understanding but don't give up yet. Thank you muchly and keep those visions alive.Cherokee Child- I am glad you are enjoying the forums and learning at the same time. Of course it always helps to say in public that "Mom" was right (LOL) but in this case she is more than right. I look forward to watching you grow with us and of course with a Mom such as yours, you have a head start anyway. Welcome and Thank you dearly. Tara-Thank you and it is great to be read and be reading again as well. I am glad you liked the quote especially since I couldn't decide whether to add it or not, but then I just figured ... "A good reason to give a little lesson in Cherokee language" Noah- Thank you so much and I do hope that you seek as much knowledge of your heritage as you can get. I can't begin to tell you how rewarding it has been for me in not only the knowledge but the understanding, the peace, and the balance it has brought to my life. Marsha - Thank you very much. I am glad you enjoyed and find some understanding in these words. Anvrill- Classic?????? I was thinking more alongs the lines of BASIC but I ain't gonna argue with ya. Thank you much.Regina- She was absolutely correct and being so close to Cherokee, NC , I do hope you find your way there to really FEEL the power in the air, the soil, and all that surrounds these wonderful mountains. I can't begin to explain the change that came over me the very first time I went there. Thank you dearly and you are not only appreciated but I respect and admire you for you and for you awesome talent with the pen. |
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ethome Member Patricius
since 2000-05-14
Posts 11858New Brunswick Canada |
"The eagle didn't fly ... the wolf traveled alone The bear hid in shame ... and the owl went mute Treaties were broken in lies that were grown Dreams lay trampled under the soldier's boot Pride was stolen and tossed to winter's wind Hearts were torn as native souls were bound Leaving starvation as this day's chore to tend One by one a nation fell to the frozen ground Harmony of life left in decaying leaves of oak As the circle of wisdom fell to hatred's cloak" These words are so well written and so sadly true. I'm sorry I missed this one the first time around, but hey, better late than never! Great to see you back here writing Mark! |
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Magicmystery Senior Member
since 2002-02-13
Posts 821Windsor, Ontario, Canada |
Dear Mark, This was powerfully written and left me at the edge of mourning. "Harmony of life left in decaying leaves of oak As the circle of wisdom fell to hatred's cloak" so true and so much beyond sad. I came looking for your posts after you found mine. I am glad I did. Such a well written tribute deserves a second look. Love, Light and Peace, Sherry p.s. I thought I should share one of my favourite sites with you. You both have something in common. Kathrine's Whispers of the Heart [This message has been edited by Magicmystery (08-10-2002 12:20 PM).] |
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Bill Charles Member Patricius
since 2000-07-11
Posts 10619highways, & byways, for now |
Mark - a most powerful write. What was done there are no words for, but you have written about it well... BC |
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WhileIWasGone Member
since 2002-07-18
Posts 486 |
Beautiful...I'm in awe.... Enjoyed much. DeaDiAmore |
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BloomingRose Member Elite
since 2000-08-09
Posts 3092Florida |
And what is left behind to remind us of times past.. arrows in the ground. I have an arrow I was looking at yesterday that I found at Manatee Springs, Florida last month. It's chisled to perfection. I could not help but think about the time and patience it took someone to create a tool for survival...so long ago. I think of the indians each time I visit the springs, and yes it's incredibly sad what they lost. I visit the mountains each year and will be there again next April. There's no place quite like the mountians. As always, I'll think of the indians with deep respect and awe for who they were, and still are in my eyes. Thank you for your well written poem. Deb |
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VAS Member Rara Avis
since 2000-11-16
Posts 7450Oregon |
a poignant recording of the past Whether on the shoal or on the shore, |
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Seymour Tabin Member Empyrean
since 1999-07-07
Posts 31720Tamarac Fla |
Mark, A Timeless tale of human history, enjoyed |
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Kit McCallum
Administrator
Member Laureate
since 2000-04-30
Posts 14774Ontario, Canada |
Mark, I missed this on the first go around, but I am grateful for the chance to have read this today. Poignantly expressed, my friend, with much truth woven through these lines of heart and soul. Well done. Best wishes, /Kit |
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Mark Bohannan Member Rara Avis
since 2000-06-21
Posts 7269In the winds of Cherokee song |
ethome-Late or not.....your entrances are always a welcome and I thank you much. Magicmystery-Well, it is a pleasure to meet you and I thank you dearly for the link. I went there and you were right......she has a beautiful site and I know I will be going there often. Thank you also for taking the time to do the search and leaving such kind words. I look forward to reading more of your works as well. Bill-Thank you kind sir. You are appreciated. WhileIWasGone-I am glad you enjoyed and I thank you. Deb-Yes, I have been to Manatee Springs when I lived in Florida and I do remember the beauty of it vividly, my only regret is that I was younger then and didn't realize the power it held. So, did you find the whole arrow, part of one, or the arrowhead. Just curious ... no matter which, it is a something to be cherished and yes, much time and effort went into making each one and it is impossible to not be left in awe of that fact. Thank you much for your wonderful ways and words. VAS-I am glad you see it that way. Thank you dearly. SY-yes, but not one to be proud of. Thank you sir, your presence is appreciated. Kit-Thank you sincerely and I am glad you found it and let me know what you thought. Your words always are a treat to see. |
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ShadowRider Senior Member
since 2001-07-14
Posts 1038USA |
It is a dance without spirit without the beat of a heart The Dance of Fear and it paralyzes all who grace her dance floor Another 'A" assignment turned in by Mark. *s* Wonderful choice for a topic. jeff |
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Mark Bohannan Member Rara Avis
since 2000-06-21
Posts 7269In the winds of Cherokee song |
Jeff-I do thank you sincerely. If you give it an "A" then I am honored. Much apprecitate the visit. |
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Charisma
since 2000-09-30
Posts 5906lost in blue pages |
Mark I'm in awe....wished I had the right words to say how much your words moved me. thank you for sharing....and a thread to my library. (((hugs))) Charisma |
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