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The Genocide At Wounded Knee

On December the twenty eight in the year eighteen ninety
Major Samuel Whitside was on patrol, with the seventh cavalry
When they sighted a party of Indians from the Lakota nation
And told them they'd be escorted to Pine Ridge Reservation.

The next day they arrived at the creek, near Wounded Knee
Soldiers began to disarm them, what they saw as a war party
More reinforcements arrived under Colonel James Forsyth
And surrounded the reservation with their military might.

Many Lakota handed over their guns but reluctantly
No one foresaw that the disarming would end in tragedy
A deaf Lakota tribesman by the name of Black Coyote
Hadn't heard the order to disarm and was seized by the cavalry.

He didn't want to give up his gun because he'd paid a lot of money
And what followed became known as the battle of Wounded Knee
Soldiers tried to seize his rifle but it discharged in the struggle
An elder was performing a Ghost Dance ; the soldiers feared trouble.

By then many Lakota tribesmen had now been disarmed
And as tensions began to rise the soldiers became alarmed
They opened fire on the Lakota tribesmen shooting them dead
And the hard ground where they fell began to turn a bright red.

A few Lakota still had their guns and they returned fire
But the soldiers kept firing and the death toll rose higher
The  Lakota were outnumbered; they didn't stand a chance
Against heavily armed soldiers who started to advance.

Some unarmed Lakota ran, but there was no cover or trees
Soldiers then turned their Hotchkiss guns on a row of tipis
Where mother's and children lived, and who were slain brutally
Mounted soldiers then chased those, who'd fled out to the prairie.

They were shot down as they ran and were shown no mercy
Officers lost control of their men who acted with impunity
Any wounded they came across were shot in the head
When the shooting was over there was three hundred dead.

Over thirty soldiers were killed too, caught in the crossfire
With witness accounts stating many were killed by friendly fire
The unarmed Lakota Indians met with an untimely death
Old men, mothers and children who hadn't posed a threat.

A young boy in hiding was told that he'd be taken to safety
But when he appeared he was shot down, without any mercy
This was a genocide of the Lakota and not even a fair fight
And I can't help but wonder how those soldiers slept at night.

Some mothers were found dead with babies still alive
But with the temperatures dropping many didn't survive
Over the next few days, all the frozen bodies were recovered
Then thrown into a pit and with earth they were covered.

Twenty soldiers involved were awarded medals of honour
For the massacre of innocents in the Lakotas darkest hour
The government at the time were succeeding in their mission
To violently subdue all Native Americans, into submission.

Written on 22 July 2021.

Copyright © Tom Cunningham | Year Posted 2021

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Malabika Ray Choudhury Date: 8/15/2021 3:26:00 PM Congratulations on POTD. Another great, sad and poignant write, Tom, of genocide of tribals just so that their land could be taken over. Your research is truly commendable. BW ~ Mala Login to Reply Tom Cunningham Date: 8/30/2021 10:09:00 AM Thank you very much Mala, another dark episode in mankinds history, apologies for late reply. Tom

Lindsay Laurie Date: 8/9/2021 4:17:00 PM Hello Tom ... anybody can be cited as brave if they have weapons and the so called enemy are unarmed. This verse of yours Tom highlights are terrible tragedy Tom - Lindsay Login to Reply Tom Cunningham Date: 8/10/2021 12:11:00 AM Thank you very much Lindsay, even now armed terrorists carrying out atrocities, seems we dont learn much from the past. Tom

David Mchattie Date: 7/30/2021 10:53:00 AM You must be a history buff. What a wonderful piece. Those were dark times. Your poem brings to light the excesses of the past. Have a great day my friend. Login to Reply Tom Cunningham Date: 7/30/2021 11:16:00 AM Thank you David, love to combine the two, takes a bit of time to make sure what I write is accurate, Enjoy your weekend. Tom

John Gondolf Date: 7/30/2021 5:30:00 AM Many dark days in the 1800's with the US treatment of the Native Americans. You tell the story well, Tom. A belated congrats on POTD. Have a great weekend. John Login to Reply Tom Cunningham Date: 7/30/2021 5:39:00 AM Thank you very much John, all through history there were similar atrocities carried out by other nations to achieve power and lands atrocities were quite common back then. I hope you too have a great weekend. Tom

Gordon Mcconnell Date: 7/29/2021 1:44:00 PM Hi Tom, A really great piece on this so-called Battle of Wounded Knee as has been said it was a massacre and as Milton comments too much of native American history has been covered up. You've penned this so well with great imagery, rhyme, and flow which highlights the story all the more. Have a blessed FRiday, Gordon Login to Reply Tom Cunningham Date: 7/29/2021 2:11:00 PM Thank you very much Gordon, how the Native Americans were treated casts a dark shadow on American history and its a chapter they'd rather forget. All through history though we hear of similar atrocities but the victims story must be told and ill continue to do so. Hope you too have a lovely friday and weekend. Tom

Joanna Daniel Date: 7/29/2021 1:21:00 AM Another sad story of genocide of tribals just so that they could be subdued and their land taken over, great research and write, Tom:) congratulations on POTD:) Login to Reply Tom Cunningham Date: 7/29/2021 1:38:00 AM Thank you very much Jo, it's a dark stain on Americas past, settlers from all over the world came to this new country and just took what they wanted and using deadly force to do so. Tom

Indiana Shaw Date: 7/29/2021 12:37:00 AM Tom, I have McGregor in my blood and roots in our journey from America to Scotland, so believe me when say I feel for this massacre, and it wrenches at my heart, you evoked that feeling all over again to a point that I believe that the Ghost dance was left within us all that heard its call, and then passed down through the generations remains a reminder to the unjustice of it all, and that one day the ghosts will win, and so they will, God bless . . . Login to Reply Tom Cunningham Date: 7/29/2021 1:35:00 AM Thank you very much Indiana, you made me curious in your comment and have just been reading how badly the McGregors were treated and how their name was banned throughout Scotland, all through history we hear of persecution of minority groups and even today it still goes on. They may not have their lands returned in this life but they will in the next one and the evildoers will burn in hell. Tom

Andrea Dietrich Date: 7/28/2021 4:38:00 PM Hey, POTD. back again with congrats on THAT. Login to Reply Tom Cunningham Date: 7/28/2021 8:29:00 PM Thank you very much for your return visit and congrats Andrea. Tom

Kim Rodrigues Date: 7/28/2021 12:49:00 PM Thank you for this write. It is sad and needs to be told. I have seen the book, “Bury My Heart at Wounded Knee.” Now I know what it is about because you are so faithful to research and tell us about this horrific fact. I am related to the Iroquois. Login to Reply Tom Cunningham Date: 7/29/2021 1:48:00 AM You sparked my curiosity Kim, just been reading up on the Iroquois. Tom Tom Cunningham Date: 7/28/2021 3:35:00 PM Thank you for your congrats Kim, in every culture there are good and bad folk, hopefully mankind will learn and hopefully ensure atrocities are never again committed. Tom Kim Rodrigues Date: 7/28/2021 1:14:00 PM Indeed there are good and bad people (the wheat and the tares) among the people on eart. Now in America we see leaders trying to turn us on each other. Love must stand its ground. Congrats on POTD! Tom Cunningham Date: 7/28/2021 1:03:00 PM Thank you very much Kim, the early settlers saw the Native Americans as an obstacle to their goals and the only way to achieve them was by using lethal force, when I was researching for it I came across many more atrocities that were committed by the white settlers. They practically wiped out the Buffalo herds which caused mass starvation then submission by the people who were then herded onto reservations. I came across a picture that showed German nazi soldiers standing over murdered Jews along side American soldiers standing over murdered Indians in the 1800s, Mankind is an evil species. Tom

Connie Marcum Wong Date: 7/27/2021 3:21:00 PM You already know what a fan I am of this masterpiece Tom. Sorry that My congrats to Jan showed up on your page. Congratulations on a much deserved POTD. Excellent my friend! Blessings xxoo Login to Reply Tom Cunningham Date: 7/27/2021 7:16:00 PM Thank you very much Connie, Ive. noticed that at certain times when potd changes they end up on the wrong day and even vanish, soup gremlins lol. I hope you are keeping well. Tom

Sara Kendrick Date: 7/27/2021 5:00:00 AM A sad event in history. Nations(made up of people) don't learn from the past and still make the same mistakes(sins). Creative way to present the ideas. Thanks for the visit to my page. Sara Login to Reply Tom Cunningham Date: 7/27/2021 8:18:00 AM Thank you very much Sara, those involved in the massacre were from all over Europe and were totally out of control, discipline was certainly lacking that terrible day. Tom

Mystic Rose Rose Date: 7/27/2021 4:17:00 AM the cruelty of men will never cease as long as they are left to their own whims and free will, God help us Tom, He's the only one that can put an end to evil. Have a great day dear friend :) Login to Reply Tom Cunningham Date: 7/27/2021 8:16:00 AM Thank you very much for your return visit Vie, the soldiers went on a mad shooting spree, they were totally out of control but I believe one day we all have to account for our actions. Hope your week is going well. Tom

Gary Radice Date: 7/27/2021 2:08:00 AM Tom, I'm not sure what happened to my last post. I posted my comment here but a comment of mine for another person's poem appeared!!?? Anyway..Just to say Congratulations on your deserved POTD. Your historical poems make me think and I go away and look up further information about them as I did with this. Cheers - Gary Login to Reply Tom Cunningham Date: 7/27/2021 2:44:00 AM Lol, yes I saw your original comment Gary, about this time of day when the potd changes it goes a bit haywire with comments going on the previous days or disappearing altogether. Its been like that since I joined 4 years ago. Someone told me go to that person's page rather than leaving a comment on the potd one, I love history good or bad and challenge myself to write a poem about it, with rhyme you're quite limited and often have to change a stanza when a eureka word comes to mind. Tom

Christuraj Alex Date: 7/26/2021 9:50:00 PM It's history. This, just like the Jalian wala bhag, is a beautiful description unadulterated with any untruth. This needs a detailed study. Indeed, you seem a real master of these historical events. Congratulations! Login to Reply Tom Cunningham Date: 7/27/2021 12:57:00 AM Thank you very much Christuraj, governments would rather forget these shameful events ever took place but I dont intend to let that happen. Tom

Panagiota Romios Date: 7/26/2021 9:31:00 PM Still sick, Tom. So apologize for late KUDOs, Excellent job! Woo Hoo Pangie xxoo. 9:30pm United States of America Login to Reply Tom Cunningham Date: 7/27/2021 12:55:00 AM Thank you very much Pangie, sorry to hear that, no apology needed. Tom

Harry Horsman Date: 7/26/2021 2:28:00 PM Don't get a round much now-a-days Tom, but so glad to have read this, not only an amazing story but poetry too. Truly a deserve POTD, Login to Reply Tom Cunningham Date: 7/26/2021 2:33:00 PM Thank you very much for your congrats Harry, I'm happy you enjoyed it. Hope you're keeping well. Tom

Terry Flood Date: 7/26/2021 2:16:00 PM Wow, Tom. Huge congrats on POTD. Well deserved. The way you’re going, Tom, we’re all gonna be historians. Well done. Terry Login to Reply Tom Cunningham Date: 7/26/2021 2:32:00 PM Thank you very much Terry, glad you enjoyed it, I love combining history with poetry, takes a bit longer to compose as you have to ensure you get all the facts accurate because someone with better knowledge will pick up on it. Hope you're keeping cool. Tom

Tania Kitchin Date: 7/26/2021 1:53:00 PM Tom, congratulations on POTD with your powerful poem, well done! Login to Reply Tom Cunningham Date: 7/26/2021 1:55:00 PM Thank you very much Tania, Hope you're well and enjoying summer. Tom

Heidi Sands Date: 7/26/2021 12:13:00 PM Congratulations for POTD Tom! Thank you for sharing this :) Login to Reply Tom Cunningham Date: 7/26/2021 12:29:00 PM Thank you very much Heidi, history is full of such atrocities but mankind never learns and you hear of it still going on. Tom

Alexis Y. Date: 7/26/2021 12:00:00 PM Hi Tom, I'm not shocked or surprised that you got poem of the day with this well-written write. Congratulations, it was well deserved. Have a great day:-) Alexis Login to Reply Tom Cunningham Date: 7/26/2021 12:25:00 PM Thank you very much for your return visit and congrats Alexis, many would hope stories like this fade away but im on a mission to shine a light on them. Hope you too have a lovely day. Tom

Jan Allison Date: 7/26/2021 11:37:00 AM Wow Tom you excel at story telling with your wonderful historical writes, many congrats on POTD:-) hugs jan x Login to Reply Tom Cunningham Date: 7/26/2021 12:23:00 PM Thank you very much Jan, I know many governments try and cover their murky past hoping with the passage of time people will forget but not if I have anything to do with it, I'll continue to call them out. Greetings from sunny Wales, having a couple of days away. Tom

Jennifer Proxenos Date: 7/26/2021 10:22:00 AM Hi Tom, your history lessons are magnificent and intense - you missed your vocation in life, being a History teacher. Congratulations dear friend, a great deal of research goes into these writes, you deserve POTD . Blessings, Jennifer. Login to Reply Tom Cunningham Date: 7/26/2021 10:36:00 AM Thank you very much Jennifer, That ship has long Sailed, its only in recent years I started reading history and telling the story in a poem, wish I'd started when I was younger. Dark history is challenging to write but one thing for sure I won't try and sugarcoat it. Tom

Anne-Lise Andresen Date: 7/26/2021 10:09:00 AM - Back, with a congratulations Tom :) - hugs // Anne-Lise :) Login to Reply Tom Cunningham Date: 7/26/2021 10:32:00 AM Thank you very much for your congrats and return visit Anne, hope you are well. Tom

Darlene De Beaulieu Date: 7/26/2021 9:52:00 AM Hello tom, this is an interesting pome of history of the past.Enjoy your day my friend. Login to Reply Darlene De Beaulieu Date: 7/26/2021 12:29:00 PM Hello Tom, you know Tom incidents like this should not be forgotten. Thes countries should not buried. They should be seen. After all it is part of history. Enjoyyour day my friend. Tom Cunningham Date: 7/26/2021 9:58:00 AM Thank you Darlene, I know there's a lot more countries that would like to keep these kind of atrocities buried but I'll continue to call them out and not let incidents like this be forgotten. Tom

Ken Rone Date: 7/26/2021 9:31:00 AM I am without words...again. your verses are a tribute to those persecuted, both at Wounded Knee an throughout the Indian Wars carrying on into the 20th century in Nevada. Login to Reply Tom Cunningham Date: 7/26/2021 9:57:00 AM Thank you very much Ken, I like to tell the story of the victims as accurately as possible carrying out a lot of research making sure I have all the facts, this was an unnecessary massacre of innocent and unarmed people of the Lakota Indians. Tom

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