'Our Land and The Indian' (Challenge Poem)

"Our Land and The Indian" We all know the history of our land. When it was walked by the Indian man. Tribes that lived off the fruit of the land. Before the white man came and took command. Their villages set deep in the wilderness. Some in the south and some in the west. Shelters built of buffalo hides. Stretched round tree limbs to dry. The Indian hunted, worked their land, to feed their tribes, this all done by hand. Smoked their peace pipes when a pact was reached. But most of their bonds were always breached. Enemies of the white man and even other tribes. Promises were made and even bribes. Massacres took place, hundreds would die, But they kept their faith, held their head up high. Warriors painted their faces and chest. Showing of their strength across their breast. Chief strutting tall upon his horse. Proudly showing his strength and his force. Bows, arrows, made from their hands that were callused. Used for hunting and for those that were malice. Protecting their freedom and taking a stand. Vowing to never, give in to the white man. Living through seasons of treacherous heat. Living through winters barely nothing to eat. Deals with Comansheros for the captives they held. Being sure that they were never to be quelled. When we think of the Indians, we seem to think of just one. But there were many the white man turned their backs on and shunned. The Cherokee, Seminole, and the Apache. Kiowa's, Choctaw, Iroquois, Black foot, and Comanche. Shoshones, Creeks, Chinooks, and the Chickasaw. Cheyenne, Sioux, and don't forget Chippewa. We all know the history of our land. When it was walked by the Indian man. By: Sandy/San-dGraphics on this page are credited to Moon and Back Graphics. Written January 9th, 2002 © on Jan 09 2002 05:09 AM PST, Sandra Kay Ratliff   0 • 10