When the Wild Bells Stopped

Bells worn on ankles by the tribe's fireside Joyful dancing began when smoke signals rose high A son was born to the chief and his bride Ring out wild bells to the wild sky The young warrior’s time had soon come His first battle was won when spring was nigh The tribe had a victory dance beneath setting sun Ring out wild bells to the wild sky The Native American village was invaded by whites And the chief’s soul to heaven did fly His son donned the headdress as his father received last rites Ring out wild bells to the wild sky The proud tribe was confined to a reservation And the young chief died trying to defy This was the last dance of a tribal nation Ring out wild bells to the wild sky *For Dr. Ram's "Ring Out Wild Bells to the Wild Sky" contest