Symbols of Pride
Of Western Red Cedar, totems are made
Though few have been built in the last decade
Tribal emblems speak of lost lives with pride
Striking they appear as storm clouds collide
The Ojibwe graveyards can still be seen
As in reverence visitors convene
Symbols of Native American tribes
With colorful markings they are inscribed
Homage is paid to a culture now lost
Many died in battle, paid such a cost
As thunder rumbles, it chills the viewers
They know that white men were the wrongdoers
Pilfering land and breaking trust offered
Treaties ignored as land filled their coffers
By Carolyn Devonshire, August 11, 2011
Entry for Francine’s “Totems in the Darkening Sky” contest
Copyright © Carolyn Devonshire | Year Posted 2011
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