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Notes About The Poem

"Melancholy"  by Susan Lawrence

Through Her Eyes

Through Her Eyes

It’s through her eyes, that hide her cries,
one sees into her soul
which feigns the fears and teems with tears 
that time cannot console.

She’s heard the rhymes of ancient times 
as elders tell their tale;
how strangers manned and took the land 
and claimed to their avail.

The tribes were sent without relent,
to reservations far,
without a thought of anguish brought
which fused a lasting scar.

As hardships flailed along the trail,
they left their trail of tears,
and still today they’re held at bay
with passing of the years.

I wonder how life could allow 
this girl of tender age 
to bear such pain without restrain
and never turn the page.

Perhaps it’s we, too blind to see
the truth of yesterdays,
and through her eyes we should surmise 
the error of our ways.


May 22, 2023


A big thank you to Susan Lawrence for letting me post this wonderful piece of art with my poem!

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Ailsa Wright Date: 3/26/2024 9:29:00 AM I found this relatable and felt your poem really connected to me. Absolutely love this and glad i found it so thank you. Login to Reply John Gondolf Date: 3/27/2024 2:35:00 AM Thank you, Ailsa, I’m glad you were able to find a connection in my words. It always makes my heart smile when someone reads and comments on my older poems. John

Paghunda Zahid Date: 11/15/2023 10:43:00 AM It's a lovely poem. Loved it Login to Reply John Gondolf Date: 11/15/2023 11:59:00 AM Thank you so much, Paghunda, I'm glad you enjoyed it.

Christina Bowring Date: 10/21/2023 12:51:00 PM Thought I would pay a visit to one of your earlier poems John - and I’m so delighted that I did to discover this wonderful gem. This is so beautifully written with awesome rhyming and great cadence. So thought provoking seen through the eyes of the young girl and an important message conveyed within. I particularly love the fourth stanza and the last. The last two lines are so poignant.Loved it! Thank you for sharing this emotional write. Hugs and smiles to you :):) Login to Reply John Gondolf Date: 10/22/2023 12:14:00 PM My heart always smiles when someone reads one of my older poems and comments, thank you so much Christina, I’m glad you enjoyed it. This piece was inspired by Susan’s artwork. Hugs and smiles to you!!!

Paige Hind Date: 6/24/2023 11:54:00 AM Indeed. A wonderful and beautiful tribute... Login to Reply John Gondolf Date: 6/25/2023 4:52:00 AM Thank you for sharing your thoughts and comments, Paige, I appreciate it. John

Bill Baker Date: 6/10/2023 3:50:00 PM Congratulations on your "Trophy" win, John. It's certainly well deserved, both for the message in the poem and the lovely use of alliteration within. I enjoyed your poetry my friend. My grandfather built school on reservations in several states, and my mother was born on an Apachy Reservation in Globe, AZ in 1926. Thanks for sharing an important reminder to us of the terrible mishandling of indians throughout the Southwest in the past and still today. We have not shown the world Love. Bill Login to Reply John Gondolf Date: 6/11/2023 5:46:00 AM Thanks for sharing your thoughts and comments, Bill, I appreciate it. I'm glad you enjoyed this verse. Funny how we criticize countries today for doing the same things we did 150 years ago. John

Brandy Nicole Date: 5/28/2023 12:14:00 PM John, congratulations on your top win in this contest. Your words hold so many emotions. My best to you. Hugs, Brandy Login to Reply John Gondolf Date: 5/28/2023 2:05:00 PM Thank you for circling back, Brandy, I appreciate you. Hugs, John

David Drowley Date: 5/27/2023 1:49:00 PM John, Congratulations on your win. Beautifully captured emotions. For many tribes it has been the moon of the sore eyes year-round! Login to Reply John Gondolf Date: 5/27/2023 3:30:00 PM Thanks for sharing your thoughts and comments, David, I appreciate it.

Janice Canerdy Date: 5/26/2023 6:49:00 AM John, CONGRATS on your well-deserved win! Janice Login to Reply John Gondolf Date: 5/26/2023 7:28:00 AM Thank you so much, Janice, I appreciate it. John

Susan Lawrence Date: 5/26/2023 6:26:00 AM Back with congratulations on your win dear John ! Wonderful! love, Susan :) Login to Reply Gary Radice Date: 5/29/2023 12:32:00 AM Susan, I love your art that compliments John's great poem. Cheers - Gary John Gondolf Date: 5/26/2023 7:27:00 AM Thank you so much Susan, I appreciate you. I hope you have a great holiday weekend. Warm hugs, John

Thompson Emate Date: 5/26/2023 5:55:00 AM Beautiful. Congratulations. Login to Reply John Gondolf Date: 5/26/2023 6:06:00 AM Thanks, Thompson, I appreciate it.

Roger Roger Date: 5/26/2023 1:40:00 AM Beautiful... Login to Reply John Gondolf Date: 5/26/2023 5:48:00 AM Thanks, Roger, I appreciate it.

Gary Radice Date: 5/26/2023 1:09:00 AM Magnificent. Cheers - Gary Login to Reply John Gondolf Date: 5/26/2023 5:47:00 AM Thanks, Gary, I appreciate it. John

Joanna Daniel Date: 5/26/2023 1:00:00 AM Such a powerful poem with lovely rhythm, John, congratulations on a top win:) enjoyed this one:) great artwork too by Susan:) Login to Reply John Gondolf Date: 5/26/2023 5:47:00 AM Thank you so much, Joanna, I'm glad you enjoyed it. John

Susan Lawrence Date: 5/25/2023 1:26:00 PM Beautiful deep poignant words coming from your heart dear John. The soul wound is deep for the Native Americans I have spent time with , however they are resilient and proud and strong and resourceful ! The are educating themselves and embarking on great careers and also keeping their traditions close to their heart and teaching their children the ancient ways . Thanks for being a part of my life and poetry journey dear friend ! Love , Susan :) Login to Reply John Gondolf Date: 5/26/2023 5:40:00 AM Thank you so much my dear friend, I always appreciate your words and thoughts. It is comforting to know that our Native American brothers and sisters are keeping their traditions alive and continue to teach their ancient ways to their children particularly when it comes to nature. I think there is much we could learn from their ways. Warm hugs and love, John

Brandy Nicole Date: 5/23/2023 6:27:00 PM Through her eyes, you can see pain, those tender emotions that echo within; along with sadness. Your thoughts touch my heart so deeply, my dear friend. So kind of Susan to let you place her artwork with your words. Many wonderful blessings to you. Hugs, Brandy Login to Reply John Gondolf Date: 5/24/2023 2:55:00 AM Thank you, Brandy, for your encouragement and for always supporting my writing, I appreciate you more than you know. Hugs, John

Ann Peck Date: 5/23/2023 10:01:00 AM A very lovely poem, John. First, we tried starving those who were here first by randomly shooting their buffaloes. Then we stole their land and horses, gave their children English names and taught them to be like us. And many still starve. children to\\ school Login to Reply John Gondolf Date: 5/24/2023 2:52:00 AM Thank you for sharing your thoughts and comments, Ann, I appreciate it. John