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