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  • Eminent domain

    We've come across great waters
    and this land we do proclaim
    to be our lands forever more
    through eminent domain.
    At first, we'll let you co-exist
    like the keepers of a zoo
    it's best for us, that you don't know
    what we have in store for you.
    We'll tell you that we come in peace
    that there's room for all to live
    but that promise will soon run out
    like water through a sieve.
    At first our numbers will be few
    but many more will come,
    and when we have all gathered
    to our wants you will succumb.
    You of course, will struggle
    you'll put up quite a fight,
    but we'll stand firm, for after all
    our God give us the right.
    We'll rape the land for profits
    kill off all your food
    we'll herd you up like cattle
    for a life of servitude.
    And when the dust is settled
    and all is said and done
    we'll give you back your arrows
    but we'll just keep the guns.
    For after all, we're civilized
    unlike you heathen breeds
    you no longer have a home
    but you got that string of beads.
    We'll crush your native customs out
    in just a few short years
    we'll walk the path of our destiny
    while you trudge your trail of tears.

  • #2
    Very nice write, Graydon. I don't know so much about American Indian culture but find it interesting. I will mention a novel to you, as I did with Piper, by a high school, class mate: "The Shadow Catcher" by Maryann Wiggins.

    Comment


    • graydon archer
      graydon archer commented
      Editing a comment
      Thank you John, for the complement and the referral! I will indeed check into it.

  • #3
    This is a rewarding write for the reader, the American Indian, and I'm sure for you Graydon. Step back and admire your painting.

    Comment


    • graydon archer
      graydon archer commented
      Editing a comment
      Thanks Bobby. My wife is a native American, and this was prompted by a talk I had recently with one of her uncles.

  • #4
    This touched my heart graydon. My great grandmother was Comanche and one of my poems ever published was the one I wrote about the stories I was told about my great grandmas life and how a lot of their grandparents were killed or made to flee for a high school project. Beautifully written. I was inspired to write -- Broken Trust -- for what your daughter is going through. Hope she's ok.

    Comment


    • graydon archer
      graydon archer commented
      Editing a comment
      Thank you so much Alexandra! If you don't mind my saying, your photo sheds truth to your great grandmother's native heritage. Especially through your eyes...

  • #5
    Props to your wife and her ancestors Graydon. By the way, have you seen The Revenant? In the beginning of the movie I found myself rooting for the "white man" and I caught myself and said "what the hell are you doing?" Brainwashed from childhood and I caught myself. NEVER AGAIN!

    Comment


    • #6
      By the way, my wife is a history teacher and would love to share your amazing poem with her students.

      Comment


      • graydon archer
        graydon archer commented
        Editing a comment
        I would be honored Bobby. I was certain I'd replied to this earlier, but apparently not....

      • Bobby Del Boy
        Bobby Del Boy commented
        Editing a comment
        Awesome Graydon, you were the topic of conversation at the breakfast table. Now your in the class room.

    • #7
      Well done, graydon. You expressed very well in verse a description of what the "Doctrine of Discovery," the "Inter Caetera" papal bull of 1493 really meant. You must have interesting conversations with your in-laws.

      Comment


      • graydon archer
        graydon archer commented
        Editing a comment
        Thank you Muttado1sb ! I have indeed had many interesting conversations among them. I appreciate your comments and yes, it does describe the "papal bull" you so aptly mentioned.

    • #8
      Great write, graydon, about the tragedy of imperialism and the disregard for nature, custom, culture, and humanity.
      You forgot to mention the diseases our ancestors gave the American Indian expecting absolutely nothing in return.

      Comment


      • graydon archer
        graydon archer commented
        Editing a comment
        Thanks MH! Yes, I did neglect the treacherousness of our "forefathers' delt in, as when passing out smallpox ladened blankets. Actually the first form of chemical warfare that I know of...

    • #9
      That is a sad true story told in a beautiful way. I've always felt so sad to here this history, man is mans worst enemy. Well done!

      Comment


      • graydon archer
        graydon archer commented
        Editing a comment
        Thanks again for your comments Rach79. So many people would like to simply "sweep it under the carpet" and leave it forgotten.

    • #10
      Not at all, graydon as I am often told that about my eyes and high cheek bones. Thank you for the compliment. :-)

      Comment


      • #11
        Talk about hitting the nail squarely on the head!

        Wow!

        Comment


        • graydon archer
          graydon archer commented
          Editing a comment
          Thank you Dwayne, I tried to hit it squarely, and I'm glad I succeeded....

      • #12
        Beautiful poem Archer! Well done!

        Comment


        • graydon archer
          graydon archer commented
          Editing a comment
          Thanks imrogue! Greatly appreciated !
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