July, 1865

Dressed in buckskin and war bonnets;
adorned for battle both horse and warrior,
proudly they ride from teepee and village
to rescue their hallowed hunting grounds.

Buffalo shields and porcupine quills
painted, prancing ponies snorting,
singing sacred Sioux war songs as
bronzed chests swell with pride.

From their campsite on Powder River,
three thousand braves head south.
Courageous chiefs lead the war party -
Red Cloud, Black Bear, and Dull Knife.

Forward the war columns journey
toward the North Platte River Fort.
Patiently the feathered heroes wait
for the troopers to leave their garrison.

An incoming wagon train must be warned;
troopers alight from the wooden walls.
The war party swarms down the dusty hills;
an overwhelming bloody battle ensues.

Victory is claimed by the sun-tanned warriors.
They return to their villages in triumph.
Red Cloud speaks, “If white men
should return, I will punish them again.”