Native American Son

On a grassy knoll silhouetted against the rising sun,
Astride his pinto pony sits a Native American son.
A majestic bronzed brave, feathers wafting in the breeze,
Arms uplifted in obeisance, the Great Spirit to appease.

He offers thanks to Him for the grandeur of creation,
For the sun and moon from which he gathers inspiration;
For flowing rivers and the life-nurturing rain,
And for the beasts that roam the vast, verdant plain.

He asks the Great Spirit to bless his arrow and bow,
That with true aim he can fell life-sustaining buffalo,
To contribute to the welfare of his tribal clan,
A feast of roasted meat and many hides to tan.

He prays that among his brothers peace will prevail,
And that he be protected as he lopes along the trail.
He pleads for honor in battle be the outcome victory or defeat,
And that he be brave and not falter against foes he shall meet.

A tear rolls down his cheek thinking of his ravaged, sacred land;
Broken treaties and those who deal with deceitful hand.
With sad heart he lowers his arms and slowly turns away,
Determined that from the paths of his fathers he will never stray.

Entry for Line Gauthier's "Tribute To Native Culture" Contest
Copyright © | Year Posted 2018

Poem

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Rodrigues Avatar
December 15, 2018 at 4:43 PM
I can especially visualize that last stanza as if he is looking out at the horizon, then with tears in his eyes walks away! Congrats on your first place win, Robert!
Awtry Avatar
December 15, 2018 at 4:02 PM
a beautiful tribute. Congratulations on your 1st place honors :)
Ashley Avatar
December 15, 2018 at 2:04 PM
Congratulations on your wonderful win, Robert, with your powerful and beautiful poem. The poignancy of your last stanza is truly moving. Warmest wishes always.. ~Susan
Marcum Wong Avatar
December 15, 2018 at 1:13 PM
Robert, I feel so honored to share First Place with you after reading this excellent poem. I missed reading it. It is going straight into my faves! You honor them with this beautiful tribute Robert. Congratulations on your deserving First Placement win! Happy Holidays to you and your family dear friend! : ) xxoo
Raven Avatar
December 15, 2018 at 12:43 PM
Hi Robert, Congratulations on your win in the contest with this excellent write. I love the content of this piece. Have a wonderful weekend....Mike.
Devonshire Avatar
December 15, 2018 at 11:42 AM
You already know how much I love this poem, Bob, so let me just congratulate you on your first-place win! Hugs, Carolyn
Moorman Avatar
December 15, 2018 at 4:24 AM
Bob, congratulations on your number one win in this most intriguing contest. It is always an honor and a privilege to share a winning entry in a contest which you have entered. I share your feelings for our Native Americans and for their contribution in making America the great nation that it is.
Leffanta Avatar
November 30, 2018 at 1:41 PM
The late Senator Daniel K. Inouye frequently said that the Congress of the United States failed to honour one single treaty made with the native people of this land and that 97-cents of every dollar Congress appropriated for Indian Programmes was consumed by the BIA in the "administration" of those funds. Obama approved writing off BILLIONS of dollars the BIA "lost" in their accounting system of trust fund royalties from plundering the natural resources of Reservations. God keeps His own books!
Hinshaw Avatar
November 30, 2018 at 2:27 PM
Thank you for your very insightful and informative comments, Rico. It is so sad the way our native Americans were treated in the past and it seems their plight is not much better today. As you indicate, a lot of folks will have a lot to account for when they meet that Great Judge in the sky! Best to you - Bob H
Devonshire Avatar
November 28, 2018 at 12:21 PM
You capture the proud spirit of Native Americans very well, Bob. And it's painful to read the last verse, for the tribes' treasured lands were taken and natural beauty was destroyed. Line will love your entry as much as I do! Thanks for the nice Christmas card. Hope you're doing well. Hugs, Carolyn
Laurie Avatar
November 26, 2018 at 7:03 PM
G'day Bob … you know, all over the world, we need to learn from a very young age, the heritage and importance of the people who nurtured the land before many of us destroyed destroyed the cultures - enjoyed this poem Bob - Lindsay
One Avatar
November 25, 2018 at 7:00 AM
Powerful poem Robert..
Hinshaw Avatar
November 25, 2018 at 2:19 PM
Thank you, S.O. I have some Indian blood coursing thru my veins and it saddens me to hear and read of the way native Americans were treated - Bob
Dufresne Avatar
November 24, 2018 at 6:06 PM
Good to see an old friend on the soup, Robert. I see you haven't lost your poetic command of history, description and sentiment in your long line rhyme. Great job my friend .. as usual.
Hinshaw Avatar
November 25, 2018 at 2:20 PM
Thank you Robert. thank also for your continued support and encouragement - Bob
Horsman Avatar
November 24, 2018 at 4:59 PM
Amazing poetry Robert, just to read this, is so important, the history, not unlike, other indigenous people around the world. your pen truly excels, a poem to read over and over again.
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