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Howling of the Coyotes

When shadows fall across embattled land Dusk creeps slowly westward over the plains Comes a-wailing, howling of the coyotes Searching for prey among the dry creek runs Thirsty animals, like humans, take risks Seek out the sweet nectar of the rainclouds Potable water, life’s necessity. This cracked earth, barren of tillable soil Given for our homeland--great Sioux nation And Lakota--once land of thunderbeasts! Our land carved from brokenness and hardship For generations we courageously fought. We will never surrender one acre To greedy Eastern oil-hungry barons Not one dried-up ditch for a leaden pipe Winding across our sacred tear-stained soil.
July 8, 2022 Submitted to "2022 Poetry Marathon Mile 7" Poetry Contest Sponsored by Mark Toney Written/Edited June 13, 2022 Submitted to "Creatures of the Night" Poetry Contest Sponsored by Julia Ward

Copyright © | Year Posted 2022




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Date: 6/15/2022 7:15:00 AM
The Sioux and Lakota would both be proud of this missive!
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Hankins Avatar
L Milton Hankins
Date: 6/15/2022 9:54:00 AM
Thanks, Caren. I really enjoyed writing this poem.

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