Leaf On the Water

America’s East Coast was settled by the "Brits,"
As the Indians rule began to recede.
After many a battle, they lost their land,
Giving into the white man's power and greed.

In years to come like a leaf on the water,
The Indians were swept away by the white man.
As trappers and pioneers pushing westward,
Brought death and disease to the land.

With the white settlements came the fur traders,
Followed by soldiers, forts, whiskey and form tools.
None of which helped the Indians to survive, 
Who chose to wage war, and break the white man's rules.

Many treaties were made, just to be broken 
By those eager for land, timber, furs and gold.
Prospectors arrived to plunder the land
And to be farmers, the Indians were told.

The combat raged on, to the western prairie,
Over mountains and down through the desert sand.
Indians proved to be formidable foe,
As both sides fought from afar and hand-to-hand.

Lieutenant Colonel Custer, led his cavalry
In search of fame and tribal disgrace.
But instead he and his men were butchered
By hostile Indians with paint on their face.

Around the campfires of Rosebud and Pine Ridge, 
Singing warriors danced till Sitting Bull's death. 
Most were forced to surrender at Wounded Knee,
Where many sad Indian would draw their last breathe.

With their fighting spirit completely broken 
And their ancient tribal ways forever gone.
Proud Indians were moved to reservations 
Where their once great history in song lives on.

Copyright © Tom Zart | Year Posted 2006

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