Classic and Contemporary Poetry
A SAVAGE, by JOHN BOYLE O'REILLY Poet's Biography First Line: Dixon, a choctaw, twenty years of age Last Line: And drops without a moan: dixon is dead. Subject(s): Native Americans; Indians Of America; American Indians; Indians Of South America | ||||||||
DIXON, a Choctaw, twenty years of age, Had killed a miner in a Leadville brawl; Tried and condemned, the rough-beards curb their rage, And watch him stride in freedom from the hall. "Return on Friday, to be shot to death!" So ran the sentence, -- it was Monday night. The dead man's comrades drew a well-pleased breath; Then all night long the gambling-dens were bright. The days sped slowly; but the Friday came, And flocked the miners to the shooting-ground; They chose six riflemen of deadly aim, And with low voices sat and lounged around. "He will not come." "He's not a fool." "The men Who set the savage free must face the blame." A Choctaw brave smiled bitterly, and then Smiled proudly, with raised head, as Dixon came. Silent and stern, a woman at his heels, He motions to the brave, who stays her tread. Next minute flame the guns, -- the woman reels And drops without a moan: Dixon is dead. | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...THE OLD INDIAN by ARTHUR STANLEY BOURINOT SCHOLARLY PROCEDURE by JOSEPHINE MILES ONE LAST DRAW OF THE PIPE by PAUL MULDOON THE INDIANS ON ALCATRAZ by PAUL MULDOON PARAGRAPHS: 9 by HAYDEN CARRUTH THEY ACCUSE ME OF NOT TALKING by HAYDEN CARRUTH AMERICAN INDIAN ART: FORM AND TRADITION by DIANE DI PRIMA |
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