I Have Ridden Many Horses

 

I have ridden many horses
Clutched their manes within my hands,
Felt the call of sweet, sweet spirits,
As they led me cross the land

I’ve seen the face of Wind
As She soared on wings of Hawk,
I’ve heard the Cougar scream,
And thus, the woodland talk

I’ve seen the many colors
Sparkling gold and shades of green,
While butterflies did dance,
Then died with silent screams

And there, on Grandfather Mountain,
Where ancient Elders keep the fire,
Eagle keeps his watch,
With golden eyes that never tire

The people dwelt in peace
Midst their brethren of the wood,
And every lodge did honor
The land, and it was good

Then there in sweet Watauga
Where the waters flowed so clear,
Bear paused to rise and stand,
When first came the pioneer

Plundered for her gold
By lustful souls of greed,
Father Sky bore silent witness,
As Mother Earth was forced to bleed

The Trail of Tears they trod,
Forced to leave their sacred home
Now winds riddled with the bones,
Of those who wept,
While Eden groaned

Time has not forgotten
The land but sleeps to heal,
While fools who sit besotted,
Claim that which they did steal

I have ridden many horses
Clutched their manes within my hands,
Felt the call of sweet, sweet spirits,
As they led me cross the land

I’ve seen the face of Wind
As She soared on wings of Hawk,
I’ve heard the Cougar scream,
And thus, the woodland talk

In silent wait for Justice
Mother Earth she sleeps to heal,
While Creator strokes her gently,
And Eagle bears His seal

Father Sky looks ever on
While time, it has it’s way,
For Mother Earth who dreams in sorrow,
Shall wake renewed someday

And the people shall return
To the home they lost to greed,
And no more then shall Eden,
Submit to weep and bleed

 

©Kathleen MacLintock

Note: “I Have Ridden Many Horses” is dedicated to the Cherokee Nation of North Carolina and Oklahoma.

 

Advertisement