Native People

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This is my first acrostic poem. The YouTube video I embedded includes the song Spirit Bird by Xavier Rudd, which I feel is very appropriate. On June 5, 2018 I read the poem "Dancing in the Sky" written by international poet Dear Heart. You need to check out her poem on PoetrySoup because it is awesome, along with the video that accompanies it. I'm also reading the #1 new release on Amazon, Tommy Orange's debut novel entitled There There, which explores the lives of native people living in cities, not reservations. Thus, my inspiration to write this poem.

Noble heritage they cannot erase Ancestor’s plight laid bare for all to see Tribal identity etched in each face Invincible spirit their pedigree Various attempts meant to “civilize” Expanding demands for more and more land Pogroms by forced removal terrorized Extreme suffering they had to withstand. Only unshakable resolve saw them through Providing strength to mitigate their fears Lives lost, yes, their memory we’ll renew Endless remembrance of the Trail of Tears. *** December 6, 2019 F G I series 23 tragedy Brian Strand, sponsor Submitted 12/20/2018 "Contest 530, Any Form, Any Theme, Up to Max 20 lines" Poetry Contest Brian Strand, Judge and Sponsor

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Barbara Barry-Nishanian

Date: 6/18/2018 8:08:00 PM

Agree with Roy. A sad joy to read, cant watch video.

Mark Toney
Date: 6/18/2018 8:26:00 PM

Much appreciated, Barbara. Big part of the history of man's inhumanity to man.

Roy Pett

Date: 6/10/2018 8:54:00 AM

Hi Mark, if this is your first acrostic then I don’t know how you are going to improve as this is brilliant, well written and a joy to read my friend. :))

Mark Toney
Date: 6/10/2018 10:49:00 AM

That's a compliment any writer would hope for. Thank you so much, Roy.

Arturo Michael

Date: 6/8/2018 1:55:00 PM

The second invasion is coming...pray the great spirits be with us...Nice write... A very pertinent topic indeed...All the best Mark

Mark Toney
Date: 6/8/2018 11:00:00 PM

Thank you for taking the time to send some encouragement my way, Arturo.

Heidi Sands

Date: 6/8/2018 1:17:00 PM

Well written Acrostic Mark! :)

Mark Toney
Date: 6/8/2018 1:24:00 PM

Thank you, Heidi. My first one. I finally got up the nerve :)