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

[Zachary_James]

Outstanding i love how you wrote this, great job.

[Love Well Spent]

Thanks!!

[Lonely Islander]

Oh dear! Not only the Cherokees, during every war, so many people have to leave their land and walk miles after miles towards an unknown destination. This was a marvellous piece. You have portrayed the heart-wrenchimg situation in an amazing way. Absolutely beautiful!:-):-):-D.

[Love Well Spent]

Thank you! :)