Ah-Weh-Eyu - Pretty Flower

Ah-Weh-Eyu - Pretty Flower

 

Ah-Weh-Eyu,

my pretty flower ..

Daughter

of the once great

Seneca nation ..

How I do wonder,

did you

ever really know

just how beautiful

you were

back in the day ..

Ah-Weh-Eyu,

my pretty flower ..

Forget the

trade beads, those

furs and feathers ..

And the lies

of all the white men

who once

queued outside your

tepee,

with false promises

of peace

and full bellies

for your children ..

Ah-Weh-Eyu,

my pretty flower

Forget black powder,

lightening sticks

and broken mirrors

I want

to take you with me

on a journey

of self discovery ..

Through dark forests

and across deep rivers,

to a place

of mighty safety ..

And then

to teach you, just how

beautiful you really

are today ..

Without the baggage

of that

war paint, propaganda

we have all

since grown to despise ..

Ah-Weh-Eyu,

my pretty flower

I want to always see

you clearly

in the flash and shine

of crazy glazed bowls

and those

burnished copper kettles ..

Far removed

from sepia lithographs

and photo’s stored

for years in old biscuit tins

and cigar boxes ..

Now hid beneath

the beds

of my own ancestors ..

Themselves,

now long since passed ..

 

Reviews

[lightsong]

I had to search for her and know who she is/was. this is hauntingly beautiful tribute, I dare say it feels like a man to his beloved, to me You seem to be in her shoes completely, feeling every bit of her own feelings, heart and soul, the message still alive and strong even after all these years, and it will live on... real nations don't die. and from what I saw in the photos She IS beautiful, that natural beauty that unfortunately became rare these days. a sincere, heartfelt and very moving poem dear Neville ❤️

[Neville]

Thank you my friend .. a much appreciated visit & true ❤️

[Einstein Noodle]

i agree completely with Lightsong's review, Nev. ...deeply heartfelt .. my wife and mother to our four children was 1/2 Lakota Sioux and the other half Italian and Armenian ... i thought, and still think, she is that Flower you speak of. A bit of a funny story ... she knocked out one of her front teeth as a child and it was replaced with a silver tooth .. her skin was so beautiful .. luxurious olive color .. one of me uncles thought she was from India and the silver tooth a sign of some type of royalty :)))))))) .. I said "Yes! She is Uncle Emit .. she surely is." :))))))))))) no one should ever let their heritage fade .. no matter the trials .. no matter the time .. we are all great peoples one and all ... for the most part ;) well done Nev. .. do you have Native American heritage?
E.

[Neville]

Hello Gene my very dear Friend & literary brother .. I am honoured that you think & feel that way .. I am also delighted you felt able to share some of your personal history with me .. I know of the beauty you describe and wholly agree with the penultimate point you made above ..
No unfortunately but a lot of French blood courses through these veins ........ :)
N.

[Einstein Noodle]

hm a French Englishman! only thing worse is an Irish Scot! :)))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))) Jessie's Da didn't claim his children as Native American when they were born .. he thought he would hamper them ... funny how that turned out to be just the opposite .. as Tribal Members they would have had many advantages available to them .. oh the irony eh!? down yer neck buddy! love your new toad face! :)))))))))))))))))))

[Neville]

yes, funny how things/values change and how things either do or they dont work out .. I have noticed there are very few certs these days ......... Down yours too Gene ... and thanks :)))) ribbit x

[Coyote Poetry]

My grandmother was photographs in 1912. They took her from her reservation, changed her name, cut her hair and she wasn't allowed to speak her language. The photo was took before this. They sell still. When the USA did for the land. Erase many, a great nations. Thank you Neville for sharing the powerful and worthwhile poetry.
Coyote

[Neville]

I am honestly so seriously honoured that you were the first to leave a mark upon this particular page .. many huge thanks brother Coyote .... Neville

[Coyote Poetry]

A strong piece and you are welcome Neville.