PIONEERS OF SOUTH DAKOTA by CHARLOTTE LOUISE BERTLESEN

Dakota Pioneers,
Your valiant spirit lingers in the West,
Where to the land you gave your meed of youth—
Your best. Adventurous souls! Born, perchance,
Beyond obstructing ocean bars; you came
To rid yourselves of handicap of birth,
Of circumstance; your eyes on far flung stars
That ever beckoned. Earth's vast, un-charted
Lands had challenged you, a dauntless race
Of lion-hearted men—un-conquered breed—
You set the pace for multitudes, un-born,
That shackle-freed, should build great commonwealths
On far frontiers; your eyes, prophetic, saw
Fulfillment, mistily, a-down the years.

Of cruel hazards you seemed unaware;
To lurking savage, wild ferocious beast
You gave small heed; eyes on your goal
You onward pressed; hope singing in your heart,
Faith in your soul, that He who guides
The lesser creatures, in your great venture
Had a part. That Presence round about you
Seemed to be, as oft you tarried 'neath the stars
To seek new courage; and on bended knee
Gave thanks, and reverently vowed
Your gallant all to give, that Freedom, Truth—
Hand-maidens, fair, of righteousness—
In this your "promised land" might thrive and live.

You seemed a simple folk; yet in your breast
Dwelt noble aims, that have your children's
Children blest. God-fearing homes, and schools you
Placed, with modest churches here and there,
Upon the virgin prairie's trackless waste ....

That commonwealth you dreamed, and fought to build,
Has far surpassed your vision; your highest
Hopes fulfilled. This living monument,
So true, with grateful hearts, brave Pioneers,
We dedicate to you!

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