Classic and Contemporary Poetry
SONG OF THE INDIAN MOTHER, by JAMES GOWDY CLARK First Line: Gently dream, my darling child Last Line: Lullaby, my gentle boy, etc. Subject(s): Native Americans; Indians Of America; American Indians; Indians Of South America | ||||||||
Gently dream, my darling child, Sleeping in the lonely wild; Would thy dreams might never know Clouds that darken mine with woe; Oh! to smile as thou art smiling, All my hopeless hours beguiling With the hope that thou mightst see Blessings that are hid from me. Lullaby, my gentle boy, Sleeping in the wilderness, Dreaming in thy childish joy Of a mother's fond caress-- Lullaby, lullaby! Sleep, while gleams the council fire, Kindled by thy hunted sire; Guarded by thy God above, Sleep and dream of peace and love; Dream not of the band that perished From the sacred soil they cherished, Nor the ruthless race that roams O'er our ancient shrines and homes. Lullaby, my gentle boy, etc. Sleep, while autumn glories fly, 'Neath the melancholy sky, From the trees before the storm, Chased by winter's tyrant form; Oh! 'tis thus, our warriors, wasted, From their altars torn and blasted, Followed by the storm of death, Fly before Oppression's breath. Lullaby, my gentle boy,etc. Sleep, while night hides home and grave, Rest, while mourn the suff'ring brave, Mourning as thou, too, wilt mourn, Through the future, wild and worn; Bruised in heart, in spirit shaken, Scourged by man, by God forsaken, Wandering on in war and strife, Living still, yet cursing life. Lullaby, my gentle boy, etc. Could thy tender fancy feel All thy manhood will reveal, Couldst thou dream thy breast would share All the ills thy fathers bear, Thou wouldst weep as I am weeping, Tearful watches wildly keeping, By the silver-beaming light, Of the long and lonely night. Lullaby, my gentle boy, etc. | 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 LEFT-HANDED POEM by JAMES GALVIN |
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