silent sister

The inspiration for this poem was a fascinating article in National Geographic about an archeological dig on the steppes of Russia, where once nomadic tribes lived and buried their dead in mounds.

 

across the frozen steppes

she rode, her scarf and black hair streaming behind her

like a flag, a flag of defiance.

she tangled her long, slender gloved fingers

in the horse’s mane.

the tiny bells on the saddle were music

in the stinging wind.

she was a princess

running from her tomorrows.

she had the heart of a lion

but the body of a woman,

and women were chattels

even princesses.

 

the archeologists dug the hole in the spring

at the mound that had such promising shape

on the desolate steppes of far, far Russia.

and they found her,

the lady,

startlingly preserved by the cold dry air,

still beautiful,

buried with her jewelry,

buried with her horse,

lovingly arranged,

the lion-hearted lady

whose soul, centuries ago,

burned with the fire that is in all of us

and who yearned with ferocity

to belong only to herself

Author's Note

redo

Reviews

[Glen Yumang Manese]

Lots of imagery in there...with the findings...a National Geographic buff myself...an in depth read within the lines of this work...

[annie lee]

Thank you.

[Glen Yumang Manese]

you're welcome...history is a lesson learned...

[Saumya]

that was a wonderful attempt to describe a brave woman....!!!
very well done...!!

with best wishes,
saumya

[Trigorin]

Not bad. You've painted a very clear picture with this and it's obvious there's a good amount of emotion behind the piece. Your inspiration is clear and well-founded, and your writing is technically correct. Good work.