We Were But People

A historic poem I wrote in school on the "Trail of Tears"

It was on a day with clouded skies

That my heart did see

Something so terrible

I never would have believed

 

The barren ground shook

And a sound like thunder arose

Before I knew what was happening

We were under their control

 

I could hear my people screaming

As the horses chased us off our land

Killing thousands and injuring many

Who refused their every demand

 

Sadly, we had no choice

Whether we could stay or go

The land that we had once cherished

Taken from our very souls

 

It was a long and perilous journey

Walking many miles in our bare feet

The way I heard those children sob

Made my heart skip a beat

 

Never will I understand

Why they took so much from us

It was heartless and cruel

And many died under their rule

 

We were but people

Trying to live peaceful lives

And still I wonder, why?

Was it necessary?

Was it wise?

To butt into our lives?

"In 1838 and 1839, as part of Andrew Jackson's Indian removal policy, the Cherokee nation was forced to give up its lands east of the Mississippi River and to migrate to an area in present-day Oklahoma. The Cherokee people called this journey the "Trail of Tears," because of its devastating effects. The migrants faced hunger, disease, and exhaustion on the forced march. Over 4,000 out of 15,000 of the Cherokees died."

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Author's Note

Thanks for reading. :)

Reviews

[trainwreck]

Good job on addressing this subject. It's been a few years since I read about this in any work.

[Ethereal Eclipse]

this is a very good write:) i loved it from start to finish:) great job:)

[Nobody Now]

After the description, I was tad bit concerned how the material would be. You far exceeded my expectations, especially with the 6 ending lines. You obviously have natural talent that has also been honed, whether by formal training or just repetition from years of writing, you do so very well darling.

[rnuff]

wwo you really went into depth for this piece, I applaud you for your effort.
This is wonderful : )

[Courtney]

Very nice. I enjoyed this write. It is true the Indian's didn't deserve their land to be taken from them. Good write!

[Icelanna]

Great historical piece!

[Leigh]

Great historical write

[Ki Rider]

I like the description and emotion. Good job.

[Aly]

Great job

[KeeD]

For Greed and Power humans slaughter hordes of innocent's by the hour.
Very well written, not only was it informative, educative and inspiring but it was very poetic, creative and artistic too. Good combination leads to a great write. Kee