Woyuonihan

Woyuonihan
(Dakota for honor)

We traveled with the moon and sun
The battles we fought long and won
For nature gave to us its meat
Our spirits met and were as one

Once hearing many horses’ feet
There your white faces did we greet
And out of kindness and respect
We promised we would not defeat

In innocence we did expect
That you as friends would e’er protect
Instead with blood the ground did stain
The words we bound you did reject

We rode upon an endless plain
Of brave pursuits that yet remain
For though you broke a sacred trust
Our honor overcomes our pain



11.25.18
For Tribute to Native Culture contest
Sponsored by Line Gauthier

Copyright © | Year Posted 2018



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Date: 3/29/2019 5:03:00 AM
Each one of your Rubai is a book by itself... Magnificent.
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Mark Elam
Date: 3/29/2019 6:29:00 AM
Thanks Pashang!
Date: 12/16/2018 9:57:00 PM
This poem is so beautifully written Mark! Congratulations on your deserving win! : )
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Date: 12/16/2018 8:48:00 AM
A beautifully expressive poem, Mark, of both pride and pain. I enjoyed the spirit of your wonderful piece. Congratulations on your wonderful win.. ~Susan
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Mark Elam
Date: 12/16/2018 10:34:00 AM
Thank you Susan!
Date: 12/15/2018 1:01:00 PM
Hi Mark, dropping by with my congratulations on your well deserved win in the contest with this excellent piece. Have a wonderful weekend....Mike.
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Mark Elam
Date: 12/15/2018 1:44:00 PM
Thanks Mike!
Date: 12/15/2018 11:59:00 AM
With so many treaties broken, the white soldiers could not be trusted. And still, the Dakota tribe has honor overcoming their pain. Thank you for sharing this excellent poem, Mark. Congratulations on your win in Line's contest. Sending wishes for holiday cheer, Carolyn
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Mark Elam
Date: 12/15/2018 1:45:00 PM
Thank you Carolyn!
Date: 11/28/2018 2:43:00 PM
Tremendous tribute! A winner if ever I saw one. Bravo! ~ Gershon
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Mark Elam
Date: 11/28/2018 3:01:00 PM
Thanks Gershon!
Date: 11/27/2018 9:04:00 PM
Mark, nicely done...Good luck in the contest.
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Date: 11/25/2018 4:58:00 PM
This gorgeous piece should do well in the contest. Well done!
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Mark Elam
Date: 11/25/2018 8:17:00 PM
Thanks Richard!
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