Torso

my torso steps back
before Columbus;
ashen, unforgetting;
interminably brave.

a soft-footed warrior,
drawing arrowheads from the surf;
spun cloth from wool;
small stone blades from
sand and water.

the Indian promise,
covenant with the great spirit:
we shall be so proud
the uncertain air before us;
wolves made companions
at our side.

and in return
we shall be beautiful,
eternally graceful,
a black locust bow
raised up to the sky.

to us this is fair.
we posture, shift in place;
stand up tall as we may.

Andrew Howes