
“Tears” by Niki Katiki
were I chief
you would know me
as Broken Wing
sad from the anger
of brave crippled souls
of a sudden
black moment
denied of their
custom and means
to fly free
over thousand-year
landscapes brought forth
from the womb
of the sky when
proud eagles were young
swart warriors strong
when the horse
and the buffalo
chased the fleet winds
across limitless ground
when my sacred
glass tears
were reserved
for my fathers
instead
of my sons
From my book Pieces of Wine
Shades of Buffy St Marie at her very best. A fine poem to both read and think on.
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no surprise that you’d be among her retinue – she helped (helps?) advance our social consciousness
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I think I was in my late teens when I discovered her music. A song she’d written at just 17 years, ‘Until it’s Time for You to Go’…later ruined by Presley…got me hooked, ‘After the Buffalo are Gone’ ensured she had a new fan forever.
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Your lines are mesmerizing weaving stories of remembrance, war, loss, mourning, inheritance, fathers and sons. The title is gorgeously poetic.
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thank you most sincerely for your generous comments
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They are well deserved and come from a heartfelt place.
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Powerful and stirring lines.
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many thanks
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Absolutely brilliant with facets of stained`glass illuminated . . . What a gifted poet you are, my friend!
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thanks from the heart, my friend
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Good Lord. Gorgeous. Wow……
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I deeply appreciate your moving comments – thank you so much
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My pleasure. 🙂
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Superb, Paul.
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many thanks, baldy
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So poignant yet especially moving, powerful, Paul.
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I appreciate that most sincerely
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