Tuesday, July 1, 2014

Arikara Born--By James Fraser--Scotland

Arikara Born

I, like many others, have lived in my dreams
In this world where I lived amongst forests and streams
Where the Great Plains stretched and our rivers flowed
If you could see through my eyes, how my tribe glowed

Born from my mother of Arikara descent
My father a Sioux warrior, his stature, augment

My growing up was no different than the others around
For the learnings that grew from our ancestors surround
Hunting and fishing, being told of the dangers in life
Cultural indifferences, to fearing tribal strife

But it's what my father taught me every single day
To learn from our lands for through the years they'd display
Tracking, seeking, searching, living from our lands
Every year more learned, growing to understand

From a boy to a man, becoming a warrior through my years
Protecting what was ours, allaying modern fears
But the changes that we faced, suffocated our souls
There was only ever one outcome, other man's goals

I like many others, to live and eventually fall
Born from Arikara, Sioux, my name was 'Standing Tall'

James Andrew Fraser resides in Inverness, the Capital of the Highlands, Bonnie Scotland. He is married with four lovely children. Andrew, Steven, Rebekah and Liam. James has been writing poetry for about four years. He is a member of Poetry Soup where many poets have allowed his work to prosper, especially Carolyn Devonshire who has guided and inspired him.  His hobbies apart from poetry are music, art and football. You can read more of his poetry at his website www.thehighlanderspoems.com 

17 comments:

  1. Hello, James! Your poem is very beautiful to me I will have to go visit your website. Thank you for sharing a very lovely poem and yes! I agree, too, that Carolyn is a beautiful soul who immerses her caring in her sincere appreciation of others. Welcome to Whispers! This is a beautiful and grand place to meet! Sheri www/poetryandbeyond.net

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you kindly for your kind comments, very much appreciated. I agree totally regarding Carolyn, she's been a tremendous help with my poetry since I joined 'Poetry Soup' It's an honour being on 'Whispers' and I look forward to posting and commenting, James.

      Delete
  2. James I love this write so much. you paint the most wonderful vivid images in my mind like a master artist. It is a real pleasure to read your outstanding work. you have an amazing gift. poetrey at it's very best. take care. Pete.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you Peter, when I write about the American Indigenous, I smile widely when I write. Although I'm 100% Scottish, they move me tremendously, James.

      Delete
  3. Dear James,

    Welcome to Whispers! I am glad to see you have two wonderful comments on your powerful poem. It is truly an amazing piece as Peter has already stated. I hope you enjoy your time spent here. If you have any questions, please let me know.

    Best wishes,
    Karen

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you kindly Karen, and thank you for having me.

      James.

      Delete
  4. Hi James,

    Wow! I really enjoyed reading this poem the first two lines grabbed my attention right away. Seeing through the eyes of a Native American Indian of how they learned, lived and sacrificed their culture to make way for "other man's goals" is brilliantly told.
    Thank you for sharing your poetry with us James and I hope to read more in the future.

    Sandra Stefanowich

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Many thanks Sandra, your kind words are very much appreciated, James...

      Delete
  5. Hi James. I echo everyone that this is a splendid, well-written and fun poem. I can see that you are a talented poet. I am also not surprised that Carolyn Devonshire is a part of your poetic life. She is a very great friend and a talented poet in her own right. Thank you for sharing your gifts with us. Continued blessings!

    -MJ (www.tgbtgpublictions.com)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you Maurice. Carolyn has been a fantastic tutor to me. Reading the classy level that she writes too, set the bar for me. I doubt I'll ever reach that bar, but the joys of trying far outweigh not writing at all, James.......

      Delete
  6. Thank you, Carolyn, Devonshire, for the following comment--

    I loved this poem the first time I saw it. I'm so happy to see it published at Whispers.

    ReplyDelete
  7. Your title pulled me in, James...
    A Scotsman you say....but your heart....whispers through another tribe....
    I really felt a peace with your words and thoughts....
    Thank you for a powerful share...
    Brightest Blessings to you and yours!
    A-Ho
    ~Dena

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I've always liked the Indigenous, ever since I was very little. There are not many things I enjoy so young, but the Tribes of America, I'll never forget, James :)

      Delete
  8. An enjoyable and inspiring read James, a regression perhaps to a place and time you have been before... Draws us in...

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you anaisnais, I so loved writing this piece, James...

      Delete
  9. Dear James,
    I am still vacationing, but had to stop by and read the comments on your incredible poem. So happy people appreciate the depth of this extaordinary poem!
    Love,
    Carolyn

    ReplyDelete
  10. Thank you Carolyn. I trust you had a lovely vacation :)

    ReplyDelete