Nation of Red

Born into this world close to the land
Raised with the conviction from your birth
Knowing that the spirits are close at hand
From your ancestors, elements, and earth

Your strength comes from your belief
In the power to draw from life
All the elements for pain as from relief
All the powers to aid in your strife

Nature's powers are yours to restrain
Use her powers with care and respect
You praise and offer honor to all you gain
While the rest of the world can only reflect

You have taught well all those who care
You have suffered much to those of greed
The pain beginning when you came to share
At the hands of those jealous of your breed

You are the pure and the strong
You are the living among the dead
You are the right and the wrong
You my friend are the nation of red


Mark Bohannan