Carlisle
~~~
Ripped from the arms of their nation
The youth of an older civilization
Sent off to government schools
To learn the white man’s rules
And how well the white man lies
~~~
Ancient language torn from their heads
Proud native beliefs, forcefully bled
Burned the animal skins that they wore
As long straight hair fell to the floor
Oh, how quiet a great culture dies
~~~
As if the land was not enough of a theft
We sought to strip away anything left
Replacing the beauty of tribal names
With biblical ones like John and James
Conquerors see it as compromise
~~~
And learn they did the white man ways
The hate, the pain, all the taken aways
In unmarked grave, another sadly placed
Death delivered and defined by lesser race
And far to the west, every mother cries
~~~
Much to think about – and perspective that our country has not always done the “right’ thing in its history.
so incredibly horrible and sad
Thanks Beth! A true tragedy.
To the victor goes the glory and the history my dear friend…
So true! Stay well my brother!
You too my brother!
not one of the better moments in our country’s history…
Thanks Jim!
I never even thought much about Jim Thorpe’s name until I read your excellent verse.
Thanks Geoff!
For a country that likes to profess morals like equality and justice, we’ve sure violated our own handbook numerous times.
Growth is found in recognizing our successes and our failures. Thank you, Pete!
You have written a beautiful piece about what we can do to other cultures. I read about the graves of all the native Americans children recently discovered. It breaks my heart. Hopefully our President will find out what happened.
Most all of us have a bit of many places in our heritage but American. The natives are the real Americans. Really appreciate your words because I believe them to be true and tragic. Love ❤️ Jonikins
Thanks Jonikins! We cannot love the land we call home without recognizing who we stole it from.