Ira Hayes

Published at Poor Mojo's Almanack

In my ears rang the ballad of Ira Hayes
It defines the lives of many Natives these days

Addicted to alcohol, or drugs like meth or crack
And living on a rotten plot in a squalor shack

Purists and academics claim history's stacked
Emotions run mountain high, some feel jacked

Even though the world is farther open than before
Kids can still see an elder passed out on the floor

Starvation can result from being badly destitute
You can eat and stay warm in a penal institute

Reality is there, and apathy may be the root
But those who deny the past cover it in soot

Blackening out the parts that are already dark
To say that's ironic wouldn't be far off the mark

Now arrive the hearts and mind to turn the tide
On both sides, they sew up that great divide

Through mutual acceptance and making sacrifices
Our institutions can be dynamic, affirming devices

Give back to them what they claim as theirs
Despite angry threats and flaming stares

Many children can become empowered with pride
And make great steps, long historical strides

Keep up the great work, and the changing ways
And there will be no more children like Ira Hayes

Reviews

[Hello, Goodbye]

wonderful stuff ken..

[Rene Velez]

Ken you work is meaningful, we need more poets like you, you summon truths that need to be seen, I know your religious makeup, but I have to say someone is shining on you...

[KimLove "The Beautiful ..]

Ken another thought provoking write with a great message wrapped in wonderful rhymes. Nicely done.

[Blue Moon Ice Cream]

This really calls attention to the problems that Native Americans are facing. I know a lady who struggles with these same issues. I loved the way that you described the dark history of our country and the native people who were here first..."blackening out the parts that are already dark." Brilliant line.

[joshua deathdealer]

I really like the content and the flow of this write. Nicely done.

[ButterflyWonderland]

I like this. It flows really well. Great write.

[Helpless]

amazing! amazing! amazing!

[Ruth]

You have stunned me once again love! Your voice is strong and powerful, this is simply amazing!
xx

[Coyote Poetry]

Ira Hayes is remember thanks to Johnny Cash. I heard his name and did some research in his song by J.Cash. His life came alive in the movie the "Flags of our fathers." I watch my Ojibwa /Mexican father drink himself to death. Some Native Americans felt peace in war and drinking only. Hard for many to face life in the old days. Last people given the right to speak their language and do their Native dances were the American Native Americans. Ira Hayes died a bad death alone. But I believe his Marine comrade are with him. No peace on earth for poor Ira Hayes. I hope he find peace in death. A excellent poem. World is still hard for the Native Americans. Many tribes have little and the Government is always trying to give less. Thank you for the powerful poem.
Coyote

[Branch Isole]

Admiration for beginning and ended with the same character and his only appearence was in those two lines. The entire transition in between was applicable to: past and present, different individuals who part of the same group and the painful causes and effects tied to redemptive solutions. Well done. Good work here.