---

 

This writing was accepted for publication in the 108 page perfect-bound ISSN#/ ISBN# issue/book “What He’s Trying to Paint” cc&d, v303 (the November 2020 issue) Order the 6"x9" paperback book:

Order this writing in the book Roll the Bones the cc&d Sep.-Dec. 2020 magazine issues collection book		get the 424 page Sep.Dec. 2020 cc&d magazine 6" x 9" ISBN# paperback book:

Dance of Tears, Chief Nobody (V5)

Michael Lee Johnson

I’m old Indian chief story
plastered on white scattered sheets,
Caucasian paper blowing in yesterday’s winds.

I feel white man’s presence
in my blindness–
cross over my ego my borders
urinates over my pride, my boundaries–
I cooperated with him until
death, my blindness.

I’m Blackfoot proud, mountain Chief.

I roam southern Alberta,
toenails stretch to Montana,
born on Old Man River–
prairie horse’s leftover
buffalo meat in my dreams.
Eighty-seven I lived in a cardboard shack.
My native dress lost, autistic babbling.
I pile up worthless treaties, paper burn white man.

Now 94, I prepare myself an ancient pilgrimage,
back to papoose, landscapes turned over.

I walk through this death baby steps,
no rush, no fire, nor wind, hair tangled–
earth possessions strapped to my back rawhide–
sun going down, moon going up,
witch hour moonlight.

I’m old man slow dying, Chief nobody.

An empty bottle of fire-water whiskey
lies on homespun rug,
cut excess from life,
partially smoked homemade cigar–
barely burning,
that dance of tears.

Copyright of written pieces remain with the author, who has allowed it to be shown through Scars Publications and Design.Web site © Scars Publications and Design. All rights reserved. No material may be reprinted without express permission from the author.

Problems with this page? Then deal with it...