Mighty Tatonka

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Image result for american bison mountains

From west-to-east they daubed the plains with dark The groans of horns and hooves to shake the earth All grass and grounds that thus did bear their mark And naught would be their doom if meant for worth Brave men with skin burned red did cull for strength With skill and bows, though not to waste one piece Yet they nor prey could know what would be wrought By those with hides more white, and sacks to fleece Those men from 'cross the sea killed with no cause And all that filled their gaze was raped and marred Not once through all the waste did they give pause Nor stop to dress the wounds of what they'd scarred Not long, to teach those beasts and men of red ... The pall and price of greed, so cold ... and dead. ~ 7th Place ~ in the "Because It's A Tuesday 140 - 140 Sonnet Cash Prize" Poetry Contest, William Kekaula, Judge & Sponsor. * Syllables = 10/line, 140 total, words = 140 total, counted at HowManySyllables.com. * ( "Tatonka" is the Native American word for buffalo or bison )

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J P Marmaro

Date: 12/26/2019 8:43:00 PM

An intelligently composed sonnet... and vivid in imagery (though truth to tell I have some quibbles with the concomitant romanticizing of Native Americans and demonizing of European settlers... I did a double major in English and Anthropology at college, and though fashionable, this simplistic dichotomy is not really true to history, despite the PC police trying to rewrite that history in their own terms or bury truths that don't conform to the party line). Anyhow, great poem. Happy new year!

Gregory Richard Barden
Date: 12/26/2019 8:56:00 PM

Thank you kindly. My statement here is primarily in relation to what was done to the bison herd and the INTENT of those who hunted them. Most Native Americans killed buffalo primarily for survival, and used every part of the animal, not so my own ancestors ... I agree that there is much misconception of that ambiguity on many other levels, however. Thank you so much for your thoughtful input and comments - much appreciated!

Lonna Blodgett

Date: 10/6/2019 11:47:00 AM

Native american history has always been a weight in my heart and a bittersweet lump in my gut. Thank you for shedding the light so beautifully. Lonna

Gregory Richard Barden
Date: 12/13/2019 2:32:00 AM

Thank you so much, Lonna - it has been a sore point for me as well, and last year I was part of an effort (petition) to have a national holiday. It failed, but I intend to to keep at it, for without it this country's conscience is falling short ... FAR short. Blessings! <3

Hilo Poet

Date: 9/30/2019 6:20:00 PM

I am glad you were able to meet my recent challenge 140/140 sonnet o'er de ordinaire, comme ci, comme ca sonnet, naught a contest be--yours takes me back, "Dances...", compliments on your placement ~ Aloha always William

Gregory Richard Barden
Date: 10/3/2019 8:40:00 PM

Merci Monsieur! J'apprécie grandement les gentils commentaires ... and I'm so pleased that you found this one worthy of placement, as anything concerning American heritage is important and special to me. Blessings, my friend! :o)