Stone Cold Sunshine - Fort Sill, February, 1909
GERONIMO, FEARED APACHE WARRIOR, DEAD
Human Tiger, Merciless Slayer of Mexicans and Whites
His Own Family Fought Government Efforts
to Provide Medical Treatment
Fulfilled His People’s Prophecy
By Telegraph to The Times.
Oklahoma, Feb. 18. – While returning to Ft. Sill from Lawton, the infamous savage known as Geronimo fell off his horse, drunk, and lay in a water-filled ditch all night. He was discovered in the morning and was taken by his people to Loco’s Camp where he developed pneumonia. His family initially rebuffed attempts by Army officials to transport him to hospital for medical treatment, believing only those condemned to death are ever taken to hospital. In time, he was forcibly conveyed by ambulance to the post hospital where he expired a short while later, fulfilling his people’s prophecy.
Readers of this journal should note that the town of Lawton, Comanche County Seat, was named in honor of General Henry Lawton, one of the daring Army officers responsible for tracking down and capturing the elusive Apache. It is fitting that the memory of such an illustrious hero be so honored. As for the name, Geronimo, if it is to be remembered for anything, may it be as a synonym for cold-blooded murderer. His face always did seem, to this humble scribe, to be sinister and expressionless, like an icy desert morning. The unrepentant heathen infidel will not soon be missed.
Post Comments
Poetrysoup is an environment of encouragement and growth so only provide specific positive comments that indicate what you appreciate about the poem. Negative comments will result your account being banned.
Please
Login
to post a comment
Turn off ads, get more exposure for your poetry, and get more features with a
Premium Membership.
