Cherokee U-we-tsi

Cherokee Daughter

I am a Cherokee U-we-tsi 

      I come from the a-ni-gi-lo-gi

As Daughters follow their Mothers

      My Father is of the a-ni-wa-ya

As my Brothers will follow him

I am not full blooded tsi-tsa-la-gi

            I used to cry when I was younger

With my golden curls and pale skin

Who would believe I was Indian?

Both my parents had dark long hair

           both darker toned than I

My E-do-da quickly fixed my tears

and explained away my fears

He said that there were girls with

         red hair and green eyes on the Res

I was born with the blood of Cherokee

Let nobody tell me differently

"Look at your eyes my U-we-tsi

         Why your eyes are darker than mine!

Look at your facial structure

You're a daughter of Indian culture"

I was much happier after that

           Especially when visiting family friends

No more did I feel so out of place

When comparing theirs and my face

I was gifted the name of Yo-na-Us-di

           Often called Chief of the Us-dis

As I always took care of the little ones

Playing with me they said was fun

I was taught many different things

           From the Kituwah to our culture

I was taught how to use a bow

and let an Elder first say See-yoh

I still have many things to learn

           Though there are many things I know

I follow many of our traditional ways

And will never leave sha-kon-o-hey

To others they might seem silly

          But they are the ways I was taught

I don't cook on my moon

And with nature I am attune

I Am A Cherokee U-we-tsi

Author's Note

U-we-tsi ~ Daughter
a-ni-gi-lo-gi ~ Panther Clan
a-ni-wa-ya ~ Wolf Clan
tsi-tsa-la-gi ~ Cherokee
E-do-da ~ Father
Yo-na-Us-di ~ Little Bear
Chief of The Us-dis ~ Chief of The Little People
Kituwah ~ One of the three major forms of Cherokee Language.
See-yoh ~ Hello
Sha-kon-o-hey ~ Land of Blue Smoke also known as The Great Smokey Mountains

Reviews

[.]

I love this poem. You may not be able to send read requests out...but its all good. I love how fun this poem is when you read it. It plays with your lips while you read it. I also admire the rich culture you are exposing your audience to. Great work, Emily :)

[Serenity Faith]

Thank you so much ^_^ I'm very glad you took the time to get a taste of Cherokee culture. It's greatly appreciated.

[pumpkin head]

Very creative interesting read.

[Rev. Fr, S. D. Blankens..]

O-si-yo

I'm sorry I didn't see this poem sooner. :D I LOVE IT! ^-^

[Serenity Faith]

O-see-yoh Di-ga-ne-li!~Hello Brother!

I'm thrilled you found it in general ^_^ Thank you

[Pax]

very informative..true to self and love for thy culture..
i like this...well done my friend.

[Serenity Faith]

Thank you Willyam...your words are always appreciated here ^_^