Classic and Contemporary Poetry
THE CHEROKEE, by MARY WESTON FORDHAM First Line: Twas a cloudless morn and the sun shone bright Last Line: He said, then calmly died. Subject(s): Cherokee Indians | ||||||||
'Twas a cloudless morn and the sun shone bright, And dewdrops sparkled clear; And the hills and the vales of this Western land Were wreathed with garlands rare. For verdant spring with her emerald robe Had decked the forest trees; Whilst e'er and anon the vine-clad boughs Waved in the playful breeze. All, all was still, not a sound was heard, Save the music of each tree, As gracefully it bent and bowed Its branches o'er the lea. But hark! a sound, 'tis the Red man's tread, Breaks on the silent air; And a sturdy warrior issues forth, Robed in his native gear. And wandering on, he neared the brook; Then sat him down to rest; 'Twas a noble sight -- that warrior free -- That Monarch of the West. He gazed around, O! a wistful gaze Saddened his upturned brow, As he thought of those he'd fondly loved, Of those now laid so low. He mused aloud "Great Spirit!" list To the Indian's earnest plea; And tell me why, from his own loved home, Must the Indian driven be, When the "Pale Face" came to our genial clime, We wondered and were glad; Then hied us to our chieftain's lodge, Our noble "Flying Cloud." We told him all, and he calmly said He'd gladly give them place; And if friends they proved, perchance, extend The calumet of peace. But soon, alas! the dread truth rang That the Pale Face was our foe; For he made our warriors bite the dust -- Our children lie so low. So now, my own, dear, sunny land, Each woodland and each dell, Once the Indian's home, now the Indian's grave, I bid a last farewell. To the "Great Spirit's" hunting-ground, To meet my long-lost bride, My "Raven Wing" I gladly hie -- He said, then calmly died. | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...FULL CIRCLE: THE CONNECTICUT CASINO by WILLIAM JAY SMITH OLD CHEROKEE WOMAN'S SONG by WILLIAM JAY SMITH THE BURNING OF MALMAISON by WILLIAM JAY SMITH PRAIRIE CHICKEN by WILLIAM JAY SMITH THE CROSSING by WILLIAM JAY SMITH TO A WILD ROSE ON A INDIAN GRAVE by JOHN TROTWOOD MOORE NATIVE AMERICAN BROADCASTING SYSTEM by SHERMAN ALEXIE DEATH CRY FOR THE LANGUAGE by DIANE GLANCY LANGUAGE OF ENDANGERMENT by VICTORIA LENA MANYARROWS |
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