I am not free.
I am a ward
of the Federal Government.
They have
a hold on me
and anyone
in my family tree.
Yes, all citizens
are numbered
but Native Americans
have two ID numbers.
Numbered like a horse
so we can be tracked.
"Kept" safe
from war if
we are good "Indians".
Our land
"Kept" safe
to protect
our sacred.
Protected land
doesn't matter?
Oil and Natural resources
would rip
through our sacred
in the name of progress.
We Natives
have been here before.
If we fight
rally
congregate
we are labeled "Hostile".
Our hearts
Breaks with
Mother Earth
as her Children
are ripped
from her
loving care.
Eyes search
the soil
moved by
the plow
looking for ancestors
who were in
need of rescue.
Is this rape
and betrayal
worth cheap
gas?
About the Creator
Sheila L. Chingwa
Welcome to my world.
Welcome to my thoughts.
I am proud to be a Native American Elder born and raised in Northern Michigan. Thanks to my hard work I have a B.A. in Education and a Masters in Administration and Supervision in Education.
Keep reading
More stories from Sheila L. Chingwa and writers in Poets and other communities.
The Grace of Reciprocity
The only unspoken understanding now is this: if you ignore me, I absolutely won't bother you. This isn't about being competitive or indifferent; it's about acknowledging the most basic truth of adulthood: relationships must be mutual, not sustained by stubbornness.
By Emily Chan - Life and love sharing7 days ago in Poets
Comments (2)
Brilliant social commentary!!!💕❤️❤️
Nice work.