Our Homeland

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 courageous 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.