crazy horse

01/2011

Crazy Horse sat between two small hills 

on top of a larger hill facing the lake,

the red tailed hawk that led him here

flew high above the ponderosa pines

His senses lifted with his soul towards

the south, feelings of serene calmness 

swept him as his ancestors voices rang

out an alluring song he had never heard

Elders pushed a medicine bundle into his

hands as the spirit current pulled him to 

the west, lightning began to snake 

through the darkening and windy sky

Thunder detonated around him as sleek

shadows shimmered in front of him, "we are

the Wakiyans, you must paint your face 

with the light that tears through mapiya 

You must draw hailstones over your heart

liver and other vital points to protect you

in the quest handed to you from the Great

Spirit" they said as the sun shown through

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Urging his black and white paint forward,

Crazy Horse and six other warriors raced

towards a hill with the U.S. infantry in 

close pursuit, swears and bullets sang by

Whizzing close to the seemingly escaping

braves as their horse galloped and struggled

to climb over the top of the hill, Crazy Horse

turned and fired his long rifle into blue coats

Several soldiers collapsed but many took their

place as gunshots and powder smoke filled the

air, the braves reached the top and quickly

raced their powerful steeds down the slope

As the pursuing infantry sweep over the top

of the hill they were greeted with the sight

of hundreds of Lakota and Cheyenne warriors

awaiting them with welcoming yelps and cries

Crazy Horse turned Inyan, his paint around to

face the menacing foe, stopping for a moment

he remembered his visions, this was his time,

protector of his people, screaming he charged

Author's Note

For those interested the second part refers to the Battle of the Hundred in the Hand also known as (Fetterman Massacre). Although I'm Irish/Scot I've always had a passion for all things Native American. This is about one of favorite Sioux warlords of all time. Thanks to everyone for your reviews and support.

Reviews

[Hayley]

Very powerful and insightful into this great battle and the emotions associated with it. I only know certain things about the Native Americans; This was eye-opening. It took me to the scene and I was drawn in from the start. I enjoyed the read very much!

[Demi Rose]

mega awesomeness.

Excellent tribute and account. Thanks for sharing!

[M.E.Lyle]

Josh, this is a great account of a battle for survival, and beautifully written. Two summers ago my wife and I visited Crazy Horse Monument in South Dakota, it was awe inspiring. Your write brought back those memories; thanks.

[Cassie Fraga]

and it hits me just as hard on the second read!! very powerful write... love the history involved. very nice my friend... very nice indeed!!

[Arielle Ann]

a historical narration....this was gripping and exciting...I loved the tale as you narrated through your lines :)

[Kenneth The Poet]

I have heard these stories. I teach in a place where these stories are a part of the culture. Thanks for this, Josh.

[Rene Velez]

this is epic and I too love anything Native American, culture, history and the people, excellent in all respects Josh.

[WhiteWillow]

I have only read your poems up until now, and this historical piece is a wonderful divergence. Enlightening, descriptive, just a great write. Looking forward to more stories of yours...

[EMF]

Even though English, Crazy Horse has always been a wonderful tale for me. A historical character who burned as brightly as the stories about him. A superb, detailed and accurate poem my friend. A wonderful read. And such a pleasure to see how well you know your facts. To an historian, that is such a delight.

[Aidz]

A tale nicely spun Joshua , enjoyed the read