'Sitting Bull' Lakota Chief. Poem by Maria Shaw

Sitting Bull stood his ground
he refused to sell his sacred land.

Respected by his people
he proudly walked with dignity.

Buffalo fed and kept him warm
his people lived freely in a land of plenty.

Guns and ammunition forced them from their land
precious gold was taken that held no value to the native man.

Huddled round a tiny fire
field mice filled their aching bellies.

Barren land, no food, no water,
pain filled his eyes as his people died.

At last defeated, stripped of his pride,
he led his people to the white mans side.

Still he refused to sign the deed
he died from a bullet in captivity.