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
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