Poetry and Other Writings |

She Loves Him So

She Loves Him So

She

Reaches

Up into

His thick

Black hair

Of a

Warrior

And

Caresses

Through

Each flowing

Strand

Of the

Wind

She

Pierces

Into his

Heart

With

Inquisitive

Eyes

And

Pulls

Up to

Longing

Lips of

Desire

She

Kisses

With

Compassion

Sweetly

Encircling

Thine mouth

And

Whispers

His name

While amorously

Embraces

Around

His soul

She

Captivates

Her

Warrior

As they

Intertwine

As one

And

Soar

To the

Highest

Realm

Of bonded

Love

©Copyright

04 December 2009

MahTame

A Warrior's Return

A Warrior’s Return

On top of mountain

Throughout the valley

Whispering winds call

On eagle’s wings they fly

Searching for a sign

In seasons upon seasons

A shadowy figure comes

From afar in the distance

Hands reach out

Into the horizon

A love has returned

From oceans down yon

Beloved souls

Forever intertwine

Her warrior has come

Home from an unknown land

Dances with song

Eyes connecting

Souls touch the loss

Comfort with each embracing

Love you

Don’t you know?

The depths settling

Beyond the journey’s you go?

©Copyright 25 November 2009

MahTame

Inspired by “Opera” – Himalaya Soundtrack

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=93yPc3qeL0A

old one

old one, he stares blankly

into the vast purple twilight

on the moor of the silent prairie

dreams of times agone flew

ancestors speaking quietly

keeping hold of things he knew

many moons have come and gone

was once a brave Warrior for all

tired, he is stubborn, but broken

heaviness weighs in, leaving sighs

devoid of hope and torn apart

into the land, he will expire, and dies

like the wind flowing along the sea

old one knows what’s become of him

he returns to where his people are free

©Copyright 08 August 2009; MahTame

Be a Good "Injun"

Be a Good “Injun”

Be a good "Injun" stand by the door

Sign this treaty it will keep you safe

I will file it with the other 700 I broke

Watch your culture raped but do not cry out,

I will rape and pillage of that there’s no doubt.

The children I'll kill while the men are out

Be a good Injun while I rob your graves.

Do not speak your language as that is a sin.

Be a good "Injun" do as I say not as I do.

Live where I tell you, make sure you don't stray don't pray like that

I show you the way

I'll give you a blanket and a piece of rotten meat

Now be a good Injun while I kill you

©Jet 6/17/09

* 'Innocence Lost II' by henri peter

Do You Still Hear?/Yes, I do hear

Do You Still Hear?

The colors that I see

so full of power

stay within my mind,

red, yellow, green, and white,

what is it they are saying

each and every night?

Animals are gathering

and everyone can talk

they are speaking to each other

the water and the plants,

the very stones of Mother Earth

vibrate with the news.

Dreams so filled with power

Owl whispers through the night

calling all to come,

mighty Eagle has his say

then lifts screaming

into flight.

Little ones are gathered

even sister Mouse,

there is no fear among them

on this special night.

This council of the wise ones

is called on behalf of the two legs,

and what is needed

to save sweet Mother Earth

from them.

Creator knows

we have tried to teach them

yet no longer can we reach them,

they will not hear even the spirits

why would they speak to us?

They have been convinced

they should not hear

voices in their heads,

they have forgotten their own ways

and listen to the others instead.

No longer do they listen

to the voices on the wind,

they do no say their prayers

or offer up the cleansing smoke.

Where have the children gone

the keepers of the Earth,

and have turned away from Creator

and their brothers and sisters of the forests!

~granny!~

Sheila Williams

28 December 2008

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Yes, I do hear

I hear the bubbling over the rocks

When stream comes running down

In trickles or rushing swiftly to sea

I hear laughter among our animal

Friends living life without fear as

Creator promises to be in future day

I hear the singing with joy the flora

And trees in tune with nature’s life

Plants and the meadow flowers too

I hear the strong shouts from eagles

And the swishing of the wind as the

Soaring red-tailed hawks zoom by

I hear the children of this land play

Chattering with joy as adventurous

Bodies and minds exploring about

I hear brother wolf and sister fawn

Sitting and talking in harmonious

Love as the two-legs have learned

I hear the sun speak to our moon as

Day turns to night, give restful hour

For all to be rejuvenating refreshed

I hear the soothing, peaceful, calm

Atmospheres through-out our earth

Colors of exquisite beauty subside

Yes, I do hear there is no more war

Nor crying, nor pain anymore, for we,

Animal and man are living in harmony

©Copyright 30 December 2008

MahTame

Scared and worried, mama

Scared and worried, mama

Learning how to do the IV

Cleaning and stuff before

Two tubes and one heparin

I hope I do not give more

Buttons to push in an order

Attach to the inserted pic

Let the machine run the med

Patience is the timely trick

Every eighth hour must give

The antibiotic into the vein

Be watchful of air bubbles

Or tend to any alarm again

I’m scared ‘n worried, mama

IV’s, medicine, and drainer

What if I forget how to do it?

I must be brave and calmer

It’s hard to see you like this

‘Tis hard for dad, I am sure

It’s hard for us kids ‘n family

Just hoping as we all endure

©Copyright 09 September 2008

MahTame

You're my Indian Love Song

You’re my Indian Love Song

You’re my Indian love song

Dancin’ and singin’ at the 49

Feeling the drumbeat’s gong

You’re my Indian love song

Snaggin’ among dark shadows

Hoping the night hour’s long

You’re my Indian love song

Hugging tightly in the night

Embraced bodies held strong

You’re my Indian love song

Hey-yo Hey-yi Whey-yoi

Stay close by me in the throng

Hey-yo hey-yo-heyyy hey-yi

Whey-yo hi-ya whey-yoooo

Echoing Indian love song nigh….

©Copyright 17 August 2008

MahTame

grandpa rhoades

grandpa rhoades

grandpa

you’re still

my hero

beneath my wings

even though you died long ago

you’ve changed

my life

greatly

grandpa

through all your love

and appreciating all of me

I loved playing

the piano

for you

sonatas and melodies

lulling thy eyelids

to close for some zzzzzz’s

remembering

much of

the garden

helping

with picking fruits

and getting lots of veggies

lessons

grandpa

a teacher too

taught us fishing ‘n

skills of a country life

getting the eggs and feeding

the farm

the Diamond R

the love you had

for grandma

you were our strength

forever miss you, my grandpa

©Copyright 12 June 2008

MahTame

dignity's inheritance

dignity’s inheritance

with many broken promises

enters woeful distresses

cries plead across nation

treaties broken once again

warrior of old, warrior now

idle words orated in disavow

promises mentioned hope

truly meant to help all cope

families separated and apart

death and sorrow will impart

tradition and customs live

while trying hard to forgive

but far from forgotten hour

as greediness left to devour

war torn and disheartened

left the natives abandoned

ingrained ancestral strength

carried pride to great length

passed on through generations

with their dignity’s inheritance

©Copyright 12 May 2008

MahTame

Native Sister

for Granny

Sheila Williams

Native Sister

let the peace

speak to

your

heart and soul

my native sister

let the beauty

surround

your

body and mind

my native sister

we hear inner

voice and

your

feel the tears

my native sister

do not fret

nor lose

your

spirit and pride

my native sister

the elders know

of the teaching

your

desire to give

my native sister

earth’s Creator

will not forget

your

teachings for many

my native sister

©Copyright

04 May 2008

MahTame

native dancers

native dancers

warriors

soldiers

honored ones

pride instilled

drum beat

graceful moving

turns and steps

fancy or straight

jingle

traditional

ceremonial

northern

eastern

southern

west coastal

Canadian

intertribal

regalia

drummers

singers

elders

men

women

children

young and old

dance in unity

©Copyright 16 April 2008

MahTame

A Dedication to the Nez Perce

“Hear me, my chiefs. I am tired.

My heart is sick and sad. From where

the sun now stands, I will fight no more forever.”

~Chief Joseph of the Nez Perce

A Dedication to the Nez Perce

Living freely in the mountainous area of yore

Roaming in the Wallowa Valley of Oregon

The Nez Perce exposed to the white stranger

Wanting to be peaceable with all; tread upon

Misunderstood by many of the U.S. Soldiers

Urged Chief Joseph and his people to live

On broken treaties governed on reservations

Promises uttered repeatedly; what’s to forgive?

Not much a choice for the Indigenous Warrior

“The white man’s words are his bullets;” cried

Submit or fight, the decision laid heavily more

To live on a reservation; fight for their land died

Some Indians took matters in their own hand

Disobeyed the Chief’s directives to the tribe

Creating unrest and disharmony for their land

They’ve given to their people the war’s bribe

Fighting, surviving, fighting, dying, many gone

Some fled to Canada, some stayed on reservation

Broken; the white government’s war was won

Such loss of power to mother earth’s protection

©Copyright 04 April 2008

MahTame

Tender Embrace!

Tender Embrace!

What song could woo the warriors heart,bring him to tremble spirit to spirit,hearts matching beat to walelas jeweled wings,washed in the scent of crushed new sweet grass and clover?

Where to find such tender caring that lifts your soul on Eagles feathers,soaring above the clouds blinded by grandmother suns own light,wrapped within gentle caresses soft as a new born's lashes?

Knelt together upon the earth hands reaching out finger tips touching,open as never before totally vulnerable one to the other,eyes catching and holding all is bared not one shadow there.

No treasure of gold or silver,no scented sheets of roses and lavender,no gilded mansions moat protected,no armored knight on white horse back wielding sword for your honor.

Just a simple man who will brush your hair,who will share both joy and pain,to walk beside on this life journey,to hold your hand in times of trouble bringing light to nights cold darkness.

Someone who can share the stars,and understand that I must cry,who will leave me alone but never lonely,who can share caresses without passion,but answer when the fire is raging.

Is there someone for all who seek,to hear the drum call to their feet,who will meet you in the circle as an equal,with hawks strength yet rabbit tender,who can lead but willing to follow?

My heart cries to eternity is there one who answers me,body to body join the dance soft and slow skin to skin,never rushing no need for hurry honey is sweeter for the waiting.

Wether bathed in molten gold of full sunlight,or awash in moon glow bright,unafraid to say the words that are needed,knowing without question what will be his is a heart forever true laid there.

What song could woo the warriors heart,bring him to tremble spirit to spirit,to match my own hearts beating,willing to share all life's simple pleasures,whispered prayer on a sigh.

Reach out love take my hand,a woman's gentle heart is singing,a music we two can make to echo across the Milky Way,leaving ripples in our wake a wave of peace to enfold mankind in loving embrace!

granny

Native's Dream

Native’s Dream

Reaching up to stroke your cheek

Caressing away the years there

Strumming my fingers in your hair

Long, silky, native black strands

Watching every move you make

Gentle kisses from thy lips to mine

Embracing, the two loves intertwine

Flowing into a lover’s blissful dream

©Copyright 01/19/2008 MahTame

Words!

Words!

Hope,it is true is that thing with wings,fragile, tender,and clean,heart, is the beat of grandfathers drum, here lives the words that flow gently from so deep inside.

Dreams,are the meat of every day life,kept safely hidden away in the dark,taken out and thought over small changes are made,then returned like the treasure they are.

Truth is the light of Grandmothers smile,softly rosy and new with each breaking dawn,so long as it is followed the walk is not hard,but a pleasure with every yard.

Joy,is the elusive sought,sometimes the distractions lead us afar,until the immature grow wise,we are blinded by what glitters and glows like diamonds and gold.

Charity,it is said must first start at home,it is the true enemy of evil and greed,the gifting that is thought free,and straight from the heart,the most selfless of deeds.

Alone,is sometimes the best place to be,I can not grow strong until I first know and like me,it is only then true wisdom takes seed,to look inside of self is to begin to mature.

Freedom,is to be bound,the greatest of bonds in the world to be found,to treat others with honor,love,and respect,these were the lessons my grandmother taught.

Life is for living,not thinking about,exploring the wonders of our Mother Earth,giving, and getting,learning, and pain,tasting the joys of sunshine and rain.

Hatred,the most destructive force known to man,something the animals do not understand,only mankind kills for pleasure,only mankind truly hates one another.

Evil,is mankind's ego,the place to lay blame for those to weak to accept their own doing,how easy to say,the "devil" made me do it,rather than change the world as we see it?

Kindness is the place we must start,hard work and color blindness,caring for others outside our own neighborhoods, reaching out to the rainbow that makes up the world.

Happiness,will only be ours when we have learned how to smile,the pressure is on us to reach deep inside,to find again that loving,forgiving small child.

War,it is said is the way of the world,and perhaps that is truth,until we control our own temper tantrums,the ills of humanity will only run wild.

Love,is the answer we each are seeking,walking humbly again in childish wonder,before our Creator with respect and true honor,but for true love we must reach outside of our comfort zones.

Words,our very first lessons,so many words and they have all lost real meaning,so many things we say and yet we do not do them,flowery and sweet,but empty of feeling.

Peace,will be ours when we live it not speak it,find the pulse in your arm,this is the drum calling,we are all Creators children,loved as equals, not judged by our riches or colors!

granny

I Saw Grandpa's Tears

I Saw Grandpa’s Tears

Leaving this evening from my parent’s home

My father pulled back the curtain and watched

Me as I entered my car and drove out the drive

He looked like grandpa as his goodbyes waved

Ahhhhh grandpa, how I miss you so very much

Remembering all those times waving back too

And wondering what you do when we are gone

Are you lonely grandpa? Is it hard to say adieu?

One evening, much long after grandma was gone

Grandpa was sitting in his vinyl reclining chair

His gaze was out the window and into the sky

Tears fell down his old cheeks, just sitting there

Ahhhhh grandpa, I see your tears! It saddens me

How lonely he must have felt; and we were near

“What is it grandpa, that is making you cry so?”

“How can I help and give comfort grandpa dear?”

Crying for my grandpa, I miss him so very much

I saw his tears, I saw his loneliness, I saw him cry

Watching the aging man; seeing it in my parents

Believe me please, I never want to see them die!

©Copyright 01/10/2008 MahTame

~~Received 01/13/2008

A Defiling of the Dead

~~A Defiling of the Dead~~

Oh, My Ancestor,

hear my plea

Return to the Earth

that part of me

that has been lost.

In battle, I paid

the ultimate cost

I returned to the

earth so long ago

I am as the soil

that makes the

tree roots grow

I would sleep In peace,

if i were whole.

Father, return to the earth

this last prize

Free my soul

to roam the skies.

Christina 11/30/07

With regard to the sale of a scalp on e-Bay.

song to the morning star

song to the morning star

flute sound across canyon walls

resonating through boulders grand

desert flower dancing in the wind

native souls came and went in this land

bird song in the evening sun

resounding in cracks and crevices

of the granite peaks and rocky valley

evening sunsets setting peacefully

warriors ride into the distant night

long, flowing hair, blown in the air

morning star shines the way for them

leading into shelter ‘n peacefulness there

MahTame

inspired from:

Carlos Nakai: “songs for the morning star” ;album: inner voices

Gentle Day!

Gentle Day!

Father Sky smiles today,puffy clouds across his face,no rain is needed by the People,just a day to work and play.

Crops are growing in the fields,sunflowers wave in the breeze,little flowers nod their heads as if to say hello two leg friends.

See the children in the water,splashing as they wash,so cool,so soft,so inviting,they will sleep well come the evening.

Peace to me is not just a word but a feeling,safe, quiet,filled with laughter,reaching out and recieving loving grace from Creator.

Family gathers at the fire,like a party but just eating,tales are told and teaching stories,warriors smile at remembered glory.

Fades the sun into the mountains,bring forth all the colors of rainbow beauty,Creators blessing for the day,what more in life is needed?

Water whispers as it passes,giving comfort for dark hours,now the lodges are all sleeping,brother Owl comes peeking.

Store the wisdom gentle power for safe keeping,smoke drifts on the wind,sending messages of freedom to the children!

2007

You Are My Legends

You Are My Legends

As a child I was taught to respect my elders

Those engrained lessons and teachings seeped

Into the depths of mine heart and mind gathers

Pay attention to what is being spoken by these

Make them absorbed into me forever and always

‘Pass on what you have learned to others, please’

As a child I looked up to these kindred spirits

Loving them with my whole might and soul

Sending these great people many silent plaudits

Grandfather Rhoades was not of Kiowa descent

But he married Grandmother who was of these

Greatness ‘n love from them will forever represent

Stoic Grandparents Charles and Alice Toyebo

Taught us love and always get a good education

Look to our Creator from above, never let Him go

My father and my mother, the two loving souls

Giving me life with God’s help, teaching always

Leaving examples to follow and guiding goals

Uncle Melvin was not Kiowa either, but of another

But he married a Kiowa my dear Aunt Evelyn

Beauty, love, comforting, caring, like no other

Cousins, Kiowa sisters, some qualities to follow

Your examples have left an impression in me

Missing you dearly, you are like the wee swallow

Our Ton-Kon-Gaht and Kiowa Gourd Clan men

We always look up to you with pride and respect

Never forget you are our Warriors, now ‘n back then

My Kiowa heritage, I will stand tall and proud

Looking up to those present and those deceased

You are my legends, forgetting is not allowed

MahTame

Spirit Winds

© 2007 All Rights Reserved
CreativeVibes

Spirit winds
They blow, they flow through out
Twisting gently around or
Crashing down upon me

Spirit winds
Whispering in the night
Like a song sweet
Then caressing me lovingly, teasing

Spirit winds
They have stung my eyes
Made tears in them
To wash them clean

Spirit Winds
They wrap me with mystery
Tickle and make me giggle
Make me sigh

Spirit winds
Stays with me when I cry
Wraps me with tendrils
With sweet incense breezes

I love the spirit of the wind

No Understanding!

No Understanding!

Each time THEY came to visit into the hills grandmother sent
us,go and play set up camp I will see you later she would tell us.
Soon though they told her these children must go to school,then
again not enough pain a woman came with those ugly dresses.
She can not wear those things to school she is a girl not one of
the boys,they took away my jeans and tee shirts but those shoes I
would not wear I was too stubborn.
My moccasins I clung to though the others made fun of and called
me names,this was the last of my identity these I would keep upon my
feet.
Old and worn though they were they were a gift of love from my
grandmother,and when they teased I held my head proudly this is a
part of my soul.
Oh, the joy of coming home stripping off those ugly clothes,into
the hills I would run peace for my spirit I sought how many tears the
sand soaked.
To the rocks and rattlers I spoke pouring out the hurt I tried so
hard to hide,on my pony I rode fast across the desert floor with the
wind my only guide.
To this day in my sunrise prayers I ask Creator teach those who
will not listen,we are all people please do not see just my color see
instead the love I offer!

granny!

[Authors' Note: Granny, also known by her Native American name of Singing Cloud, is a member of the Cherokee Blue Clan.]

Fall Harvest

Fall Harvest...

Corn stalkes piled high the cobs gone.

Squash and bean plants all picked and the ground readied for winter and spring.

Fall harvest is the busiest time of the year.

Hunters skinning and tanning hides.

Wood carvers making masks for the fall and winter ceremonies.

Dancers doing beadwork on next summers regalia.

Bead makers making beads from the collections they found over the summer.

Making visits to relatives to learn whats been going on.

Fall harvest when you tie up all loose ends before the snow flies.

Fall harvest when all the things you grew from seeds that you planted are harvested.

Fall harvest when you get ready for the cold of winter.

Fall harvest when friendships and family ties are renewed.

Winter is coming and getting ready for the snow is the main thing on our minds.

[Randy Maracle, Six Nations of the
Grand River Territory. Haunensaunee, Mohawk Nation, Turtle Clan.
Traditional Haudensaunee Singer and poet.]

Come, sit by the fire...

Come, sit by the fire…

Come and sit by the fire

And listen to stories of

Long ago, from your kin

Who passed here to there

Warm yourself as you

Are attuned to the words

Of your grandfather and

Your grandmother of ago

Resonating flute sounds

Across the canyon walls

Echoing from rock to rock

Into the valley and plains

Embrace your heritage

Hold on to it tightly

Never let it leave your

Heart, soul, and mind

MahTame

"Keep What's Left Near"

“Keep What’s Left Near”

The prairie speaks of my ancestors

That migrated from Montana to here

Hunting buffalo among their neighbors

along the northern to southern frontier

The stories told, the songs they sang

The drums beat with great reverberance

Dancing, men, women, and children sprang

Feathers and regalia, along with the lance

The mountains, rivers, creeks, and hills

Welcoming grandfathers and grandmothers

My people, passed down teachings and skills

To be held in the greatest respect and honors

Some traditions have gone; some are alive

“POLAH-YEE-GAH—The Rabbit Dance”*

For our little ones, continue this to thrive

And carry the pride from this dancing prance

“If you are a leader. Arise and dance.”

The Opening Song, the official Chief Song

Of the “OHOMA—The Warrior’s Dance”

Was always performed before a war expedition*

‘Keep for as long as they protect and cherish their

Kiowa ways’ said Red Wolf to a lost Kiowa Warrior

Red Wolf taught him the songs and dances to share

The “TIAH-PAH—The Kiowa Gourd Dance” with ferver*

Soon, our Kiowa Warriors and Veterans will remember

“T’OW-KOW-GHAT—THE BLACK LEGS DANCE”*

The songs celebrated both survival and death’s honor

To continue these ceremonies is of great importance

I have heard from the wind blowing through the prairie

‘Keep what you have been taught; hold it dear

Never lose your dignity, pride and strength to wary

Some things have been lost, but keep what’s left near’

MahTame

*Kiowa Voices, Ceremonial Dance, Ritual and Song Vol. I; Maurice Boyd

Lead Me to the Way I Need to Go

Lead Me to the Way I Need to Go

As I sit by my mountain top’s edge

Watching all across the horizon yonder

Being wary and cautious of this ledge

Absorbing the beauty of all this nature

Reaching out to my ancestors of ago

Speaking silently from mine heart to you

Comfort me and hold me, you must know

Fearing of life’s unknown adventures too

Grandfather, grandmother, I cry so much

How can I keep your strength inside me?

I fear I am losing reality’s living touch

Help me please, grandparents, hear my plea

You have walked these roads many times

You have crossed many barriers of life

I know you have also seen better climes

Ah, comfort me grandparents, in my strife

These mountain breezes carry away my tears

Take them please and know I have come

I am here; take away my never ending fears

My heart beats for you like our Kiowa drum

Lead me to the way I need to go, grandfather

Lead me to the way I need to go, grandmother

Lead me to the way I need to go…

MahTame

Missing my Grandparents from 'Darko Town

Missing my Grandparents from ‘Darko Town

Grandpa and Grandma, such loving grandparents

Speaking their native language and laughing a lot

Wondering what stories they are speaking of or

Who they are making jokes about or songs to sing

Sitting at the dinner table, ready to eat warm soup

Tales of what’s inside scares us from eating at all!

Grandpa telling us we’re eating raccoon eyes or

Frog legs that have been fried to look like chicken

Believing so hard and stomachs turning too much

But hunger sets in, eating and trying not to slurp

Delicious homemade soup of meat ‘n vegetables

Warm, fluffy, big pieces of grandma’s big fry bread

Dipped into savory tasting warm stew made for us

Missing days and nights sleeping in the big garage

Made into a big room with a bed, sofa, chair, clothes

Washing, drying, and ironing took place in there too

Listening to Kiowa being spoken fluently, hearing

Different inflections and change of voice, almost

Understanding what is being said or what’s it about

Many times falling asleep in the big bed as they speak

Feeling the sun shining in through the windows or

Snuggling under many blankets during the cold times

Feelings of love, safety, and security always with them

Even the many cats that came and went, were loved

Especially on feisty Siamese with blue eyes “Molly”

How I miss being in the company of my grandparents

Native Brother, Native Sister

Native Brother, Native Sister

Native brother, native sister

From both near and far places

Striving to preserve culture

Upbringing, fortitude, ‘n life

Some speak native language

Some have lost it to history

Native brother, native sister

Caught between two worlds

Struggling in living in both

Confused of many directions

Some are still discriminated

Some are highly respected

Native brother, native sister

Hold on to the common bonds

Within each of clan or tribe

Preserve what is left of each

Never let yourself be extinct

Never lose your pride and love

Round Dancing or the '49

Round Dancing or the ‘49

Round dancing brings out the best of self

Songs full of heyas and meaningful words

The stories are sung in remembrance of

Loves and lovers from ages ago or present

Some songs are silly, like pizza or of cartoons

How fun to laugh, sing, and dance along

Whether it’s done southern style or northern

Listen to the heartbeat of the center drum

Step to its beat, in rhythm, in style, in time