Love Sonnet XX

....in the land of lost dreams

Love Sonnet XX

 

 

My moccasins, worn from

dream walking across the

Mesa tops, then in shadows

through Canyon de Chelly.

 

Skin Walkers and Coyote followed

me down the arroyos and into

sagebrush plains, where

nothing grew but sorrow.

 

Ghost-like people roamed

these plains with grief bundled

on their backs, and poverty

 

scared into their eyes. Here,

in these lands of forever,

HOPE is a dangerous thing.

 

Aztec Warrior / redzone 11.15.24

Author's Note

...thanks for reading

Reviews

[Joli Dy]

You painted this across my eyes and I see. Thank you for the arroyos and the barren, sorrowful sagebrush plains.Thank you for the worn moccasins, the mesas and canyon. Thank you for talking me to this hauntingly beautiful place, so different from my world. I was a guest there and I walked with light steps and immense gratitude.

[redzone]

Hi Jo (I went to your profile and saw it was ok to call you "Jo"). Yes, this area of the US is much different than New Orleans. While the people are of different shades and nationalities, they share the commonality of humans everywhere, especially those of us who have little or nothing but our dreams and hopes for a better future. I appreciate your steps and you can visit anytime. Thank you for the time and your kind words.

[Sami Khalil]

You never disappoint
Always with powerful message from strong convictions. Keep them coming my friend; might wake up some people's conscience

[redzone]

I appreciate you Sami! Thanks for your kind words and reviews.

[Sami Khalil]

You are welcome sir Redzone

[Pryde Foltz]

I suppose it is the disappointed that gets us when the hope runs dry. This was a masterful write, Curt. You nailed the mood and every line. Huzzah.

[redzone]

Thanks Pryde. I always enjoy your visits and comments.

[Coyote Poetry]

Years ago. My unit in the Army. We trained at Death Valley, California. I loved the quiet of the desert. I gain my name, Coyote. I drove a water truck. Every morning for coyotes would be waiting for me. I would give them water. My soldiers. Called me Sgt. Coyote. I enjoyed the poetry my friend. It is nice to know quiet places. Thank you for sharing the amazing poetry and your thoughts.
Coyote

[redzone]

Thank you Coyote, for your comment and for sharing the story of your name. Wait... is that a coyote's cry I hear coming from the arroyo?? I think your water deliveries are missed, they are calling for you.

[Coyote Poetry]

One day I will return and share water water my friend. Here in Michigan. The coyotes hide well. You are welcome my friend.

[Glenda]

This reminds me of The Trail Of Tears?

I like the way it opens with your moccasins worn from dream walking..

It's the best! Thanks redzone

[redzone]

Thank you, Glenda, Most people don't know about the Trail of Tears, nor the continued oppression of Native Peoples. I appreciate your review and visit.

[Glenda]

@redzone A major book report I had to do was about The Trail Of Tears...I often wonder what this country would be if Native Americans had protested and caused civil uproar for rights as some people have? I am 1/4 Cherokee.

[redzone]

Glenda, there was a lot of resistance from Native Americans. During the upsurges of the 60's and early 70's there was the defiant demonstrations at Wounded Knee for example. Leonard Peltier is still in jail as a result of this takeover and defense of Native Lands. Another book you might read is "I left My Heart in Wounded Knee", by Dan Brown. Also the takeover of Alcatraz on the west coast. Native American struggles and protests were part of what made the 60's revolutionary and righteous.

[Glenda]

I guess in states near reservations the protests are more broadcast. I think I'll write my congressman to release Leonard Peltier. That is just wrong.

[Glenda]

@redzone Here's what I found: Leonard Peltier denied parole for 1975 killings of FBI ...

read more@redzone Here's what I found: Leonard Peltier denied parole for 1975 killings of FBI ...

NPR
https://www.npr.org › 2024/07/02 › nx-s1-5026755 › l...
leonard peltier from www.npr.org
Jul 2, 2024 — The parole commission says Peltier, 79, will be eligible for another parole hearing in 2026. He's serving life in prison for killing two FBI ...

[redzone]

It was a wrongful conviction, no real proof.
My saying Ghost-like people, is to point out that at every turn in American history, Native People's have been defeated, their culture and world views stolen, and forced to live in horrible conditions.

I too have Native blood in my family, but it is much smaller that your 1/4 Cherokee. My people are now exinct at the hands of white settlers from Holland. We were a small part of the Iroquois Nation way back when. We lived in what is now called Manhattan. I cinsider poems like this one, written as a response to my many greats grandmother. She calls to me from that long ago time, reminding me to be human and to tread lightly on our earth but leave tracks worthy of a human being. I have tried to do my best to uphold these words.

[Orphic Dreamer]

Wow, this is so beautiful. Each word paints a vivid picture. It's soothing and melancholic at the same time. I'm in awe!

[redzone]

Thanks for your kind words Orphic Dreamer