and I write...

knowing the dreadful wrong

and I write

feeling anguish and shame from deep within

 

 

'Twas my ancestors, my very own

their arm reaching out to the sky

in their own pretention and ignorance

that said they had the way

the only way – there was no other

for it was also said that the Indian lay lower than the beast

and had to carry this ridicule and burden

until their eyes opened no more

 

 

and I write...

 

knowing the dreadful wrong

 

and I write

 

feeling anguish and shame from deep within

 

 

It was indeed in selfish gain and corruption

and more words like these - all causing this disruption

that the yellow hair came to this land - he has many names

- Wa'sichu - Hanadahguyus ... people, strangers,

came and took without asking,

came and killed without reason all in their life paths,

cast all those here to the Four Winds

came and tried to force their beliefs on others

on an already structured and spiritual People

living like the One the new-comers tried to force on us,

the one they themselves killed up on the cross, ...

and all during this time, the ones here

were already were reaping the rewards of wisdom,

love and respect, ... yes, it was so - I know this to be true

It was a time of plenty and abundance everywhere

why is it not so anymore? It has been said already:

'Never will it be again as it was then.'

 

 

and I write...

 

knowing the dreadful wrong

 

and I write

 

feeling anguish and shame from deep within

 

 

 

and so what is to think of all this?

were these men in robes true or were they calculating, murderous thieves?

looked upon and warmly greeted, without fear and of complete innocence,

believing what they were told and most embracing this new faith

But for who? for the new-comers? Certainly not for those already here

With a sound ideology and a will stronger than the non-Native will ever have,

They were taken – swindled – lied to and betrayed … To what end?

 

 

 

and I write...

 

knowing the dreadful wrong

 

and I write

 

feeling anguish and shame from deep within

 

 

And those new-comers, even those with good intentions

all got lost among the thieves and the night,

all in the name of self-righteousness and greed,

a self-proclaimed people

with no need or fear of any god

 

 

and I write...

 

knowing the dreadful wrong

 

and I write

 

feeling anguish and shame from deep within

 

p>

"Photograph courtesy of Mission San Juan Capistrano"