Destiny Calls to Thunder Hawk

A Poem by bigfootprint

He leaves his logperch, to waiting repast draws near. His smile matches Skye's as she brings the steaming food.

The scent of the dewy grass hints of coming night.

Thunder Hawk smiles at her form in the dim firelight,

At how he saved his fish kit from a pesky bear.

He beholds Skye Fire's shape and her black flowing hair,

The cook spit wafting delicious in the night air.

They would eat well this night on fresh trout without care.

She had met his return with her own news profound.

She said, "I carry your child. Our love is now bound."

He had whooped and hugged her. She wiped a happy tear.

Watching her stroke the fire, he longs to hold her near.

She told how the owl spoke of a son hale and strong.

There would be more sons -- the jays had added their song.

Like smoke of the cook fire, his hopes swirl with his fears,

His wisdom and insight now blossoming with his years --

A proud father-to-be, but like the old chief had said:

“These are the good times. Bad times lie not far ahead.

The spirits have spoken in the wind days before.

His children would see the white eyes come more and more

With killing and disease. They cut and burn the trees.

Arrow and spear can't stop them, everyone agrees."

But forget that for now, a warrior knows no fear.

He leaves his log perch, to waiting repast draws near.

His smile matches Skye's as she brings the steaming food.

He would hear more of this baby and her bright mood.

Tonight their hearts would soar, no sadness to intrude

© 2020 bigfootprint

Author's Note

This is No. 8 in a twenty-something compilation of the pivotal years when Westward expansion began to destroy the ways of the Great Sioux Nation and the noble defense they knew would be futile against the invasion. I hope one day to submit it for print in book form.

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Featured Review

Betty Hermelee

Hi Doug, I'm glad I read your note first. This poem is so ethereal in its entirety.... A lovely tale told with flowing words and lovely thoughts...the images pop at you...the trout for dinner, the telling of an unborn child, the spirits they believe in....just hauntingly beautiful!