In the Smoke of a Distant Fire

A calvaryman's view?

The greasy smoke touched sky
from the council fires by the river.
In lodges the hungry babies cry,
looked down upon by Life Giver.
Rifles and arrows placed in quiver
as the warriors stand battle ready.
Awaiting the dawn's light I shiver,
holding my gray horse steady.
I carefully target and let lead fly,
not sure why these people must die.