Arapaho

 
Sit down my child and listen to the songs,
watch the ghost dance charm spirits of the past.
The Cheyenne people have called us Cloud Men,
in prairie moccasin and buckskin dress,
Inuna-Ina, the Arapaho.

Long ago my people hunted the land
living in tipis, hunting buffalo;
the best sign-talkers on the western plains,
in prairie moccasin and buckskin dress,
Inuna-Ina, the Arapaho.

When the white man betrayed us in the south
in the bloody massacre at Sand Creek
we joined Chief Wakashie of the Shoshone
in prairie moccasin and buckskin dress,
Inuna-Ina, the Arapaho.

We elders are left to tell the story 
of our proud heritage, and how it was
we came to live in Wind River Country,
in prairie moccasin and buckskin dress,
Inuna-Ina, the Arapaho.


Note: Inuna-Ina (Hinonoeino), 'our people'

july 2003
© Janet Reid 



Awarded by Flowing Quills ~ Week of July 24-30, 2003




Awarded by Friendly Musings




Awarded by Friendly Musings