L Milton Hankins Poet Blank verse

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.

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Caren Krutsinger March 31, 2021 at 7:50 PM Sadly, we have mistreated so many, especially the native Americans. I am embarrassed at how we killed them every day on TV during the sixties in every western. I could barely stand to watch them. Well done! Beautiful blank verse. L Milton Hankins March 31, 2021 at 7:52 PM Thanks so much, Caren. Lately my thoughts have turned to so many hateful and mean things we have put upon others in order to benefit ourselves. Thanks for your thoughtful comment. I, too, have been embarrassed.

David Smith March 30, 2021 at 1:35 PM Important piece. I can relate to. They re-opened a clean fill where I am that sits on a flood plain and was deemed full designated a toxic site. They tried to make it a non-consent but information came to light. A commissioner still approved it for lesser time period. I am on council liaison. group holding them to it. Many people are sucked in by words like no alternative but if enough people say no it is amazing how quickly alternatives are found. Like your writing style. Regards David in NZ L Milton Hankins March 30, 2021 at 2:02 PM Thanks, David. Stand your ground!!!!!

Gershon Wolf March 29, 2021 at 8:50 PM The Sioux and the Lakota ought to hire you. Such an eloquent defense of their position. Bravo, Gershon L Milton Hankins April 1, 2021 at 3:58 PM Gershon, I will always stand up for Native Americans. I come from the Eastern Cherokee nation (about third generation). The Andrew Jackson era tried to wipe out the tribes. "Remember the Alamo?"; I say, "Remember the Trail of Tears!" L Milton Hankins March 29, 2021 at 9:56 PM I hope so. I always feel so bad when we don't honor our commitments to the Native Americans, and, we do so little to help them rise above the poverty-level.

Judy Ball March 29, 2021 at 6:24 PM Amen Milton. Brings to mind the old song from the 70's. One Tin Soldier. God Bless, JB L Milton Hankins March 29, 2021 at 6:32 PM Ah, thanks, JB. Come to think of it, it does...a little!