this is not the place
that was your father’s
these woods hold
bones older than
your history
each tree marks
a fallen warrior
black elk knew of them
calling upon the spirits
to receive their brothers
and sisters in death
to guide them safely
to a land of peace
not one of war
nor into stolen mountains
flowing with streams of tears
nor torched prairie villages
now no more than smoke
carried away in the night
only brother wolf
was left
to lament
as the funeral
procession
passed by
to an unwanted
desert
away from
this sacred
and
holy
place
And now my fear of those woods is even more pronounced!
Old stories have always scared me… all those wrongdoings back then stirred up my senses… and now, it’s all revived!!
What a poem!!! Loved the analogy as well!! Stark and intense!
So moving and emotional…and the native american aspect to it, including the mention of black elk, drew me immediately to a wonderful book known as “Black Elk Speaks.” Truly a splendid book, if one can handle the horrors that were visited on their people.
Very thoughtful piece, with some profound statements. Great stuff.
we really screwed the native americans over. maybe im wrong, but for all the horrible things done to them since the US has taken over their land, they have retained their dignity. this poem taps into that. there is no lashing out. there is resignation, but not acceptance.
Read Between the Minds 
And now my fear of those woods is even more pronounced!
Old stories have always scared me… all those wrongdoings back then stirred up my senses… and now, it’s all revived!!
What a poem!!! Loved the analogy as well!! Stark and intense!
wolves howling is the most respectful wail of grief
A very moving poem…I found myself drawn to the words:
“only brother wolf
was left
to lament”
I could feel its deep emotions.
Thank you for sharing such a great write.
Oooo I like it. I can hear the howling, smell the loamy soil. and sense something as old as time.
Nice my poetic friend
smiles from the Moon
fabulous, this one holds a fragrance of red indian culture- the destruction of the awesome civilisation in the hands of usurpers.
This leaves one in a meditative thought…Outstanding Poetry Charles…
So moving and emotional…and the native american aspect to it, including the mention of black elk, drew me immediately to a wonderful book known as “Black Elk Speaks.” Truly a splendid book, if one can handle the horrors that were visited on their people.
Very thoughtful piece, with some profound statements. Great stuff.
A powerful and well written poem. I shall return again, to read more. Thanks.
we really screwed the native americans over. maybe im wrong, but for all the horrible things done to them since the US has taken over their land, they have retained their dignity. this poem taps into that. there is no lashing out. there is resignation, but not acceptance.
WOW…I am speechless.
this is both sad and moving, all those fallen warriors and only wolf left to lament… I can hear him now
i loved this 1 one of m fav themes to read 🙂
I normally don’t bother analyzing poetry on anything other than a gut impulse but I really liked the pacing of this one.
There, I said it and became a little bit more nerdish.
Amazing poem Charles, sad and so powerful at the same time!! Wolves have always fascinated me ~ Hugs xx
Every time I read your poetry you deeply inspire me. Thanks for your contributions to poetry.
“ah-ooooooh” (sigh)
a great poem! 🙂 I loved it but man do I feel sad now.
Atmosphere by the bucket load!
Loved it.
I always love a wolf poem and this one is wonderful – you come up with so much material I can’t keep up with you, you’re a champion of poetry.
This place is not your fathers, but you still felt its soul, Charles.
“only brother wolf left to lament” – my poor heart … the fragrance of genocide …
Well considered, Charles. Finely wrought.