Chief Joseph Poem by Ima Ryma

Joseph, Chief of Wallawa band
Of the Nez Perce in Oregon.
Wallawa Valley was their land,
That white man did invade upon.
By his wise and brave endeavor,
Joseph led war, but then did cease,
'I will fight no more forever, '
And led his people into peace,
A reservation far from home -
Home of bones of his family.
Only in dreams did Joseph roam
His past in Wallawa Valley.

Chief Joseph died from home apart.
His cause of death - a broken heart.