A STRAY ARROW

Native Americans fight for territory

Elder chief, a peaceful man who puffs on his pipe

and hums at seasonal celebrations

spends days in his tepee

he is worshiped by his tribe like a protective God

wrinkled and in poor health

he lays in a deep slumber on and off

and often dreams that his only son

is summoned to fight war with foreign tribes

the chief perceives he is a trained warrior

yet always fears the worst

he is a man of peace

villainous natives loom close by

threatening his large reservation

insisting they own a piece of it

 

Battles persist for months

warriors on horses’ shout orders to their peers

bearing their bows and arrows determined to win

arrows whizz by them, flying like bats

they retaliate and aim for the evil chief and his two cohorts

young son pierces the chest of one

his blood boils and his anger peaks

so that he deftly punctures the bodies of more enemy warriors

 

at once silence permeates the sanguinary scene

most of the enemy warriors die or suffer bloody wounds

horses lay on muddy earth, heads and limbs scattered

guts spill out, low level whines echo to the sky

one more stray arrow flies by and strikes the chief’s young son in his chest

bleeding and struggling for life, he seizes his last breath

 

The chief awakens with a startle, droplets on his cheeks

only a dream he recalls, then summons his son for

the celebration dances under the stars

with drums and flutes they inspire to a tribal beat

singing to the sun God, they shriek and whistle

the chief follows them with a gold tooth smile

 

 

Author's Note

Photo : Pinterest
Thank you for reading... ideas from my childhood

Reviews

[Pete]

captivating, touching story. war and peace and the plight of the native americans. peace pipe in one hand and weapon in the other. sad that people can't leave others alone or come to reasonable agreements before resorting to killing. sad and very telling of man's history.

i was having a good day 'til i read this. reminds me of that commercial when i was young of people throwing their trash at a native american's feet as a tear rolls down his cheek ... :)

[Betty Hermelee]

Great review Pete, though sorry it brought back sad memories…..
Warmly, B

[Sami Khalil]

A powerful story of war and peace, in reality and dreamlike. I was at the edge of my seat reading this; you are a good storyteller with deeper message for humanity.
Wars affect all of us; I wish we can find better ways to settle differences.

[Betty Hermelee]

Thank you so much Sam, really appreciate!!
Warmly, B

[Sami Khalil]

Warmly, S......

[Lorry]

Oh dagnabbit! Im sure i reviewed this Betty, but i most likely accidentaly got distracted by something and timed myself out from it.i have been a bit under the weather, so apologifications to uou.
A perfect example of peace becoming war becsuse of greed on one part and indifference toward the thoughts of anyone different from them doesnt matter, when they see a profit in something.
Nicely told tale Betty.

[Betty Hermelee]

Thank you dear Lorry for a fine review; feel better!
Warmly, B

[Thomas W Case]

Beautiful use of the senses. You take the reader on the journey.

[Betty Hermelee]

Thank you Thomas for a lovely review!
Warmly, B

[John the Baptist]

Some have idealized the American Indians as paragons of nobility, but perhaps the reality was more like the chief's dream. In my home area, in the years prior to the arrival of the Europeans, one tribe, the Chesapeakes, was annihilated by the Powhatans, a much more powerful group.

[Betty Hermelee]

Thank you my friend for a very thoughtful review, love it!
Warmly, B