little bones stood strong ran freely prairie grass-tickled sun-blessed faces little bones danced in regalia as fathers drummed beautiful native tongue rising across the plains little bones angled softly into mother's arms treasured gift from Creator little bones stolen, broken tears rushed spirits crushed little bones rest wait for the light wings of love take flight For dVerse Poets Pub. Lisa is our host. Write a 44 word poem (excluding the title) but including the word "stand". ***Notes: Here in Canada we are asked to post the 24 hour National Crisis Line for those who may be triggered by the recount of Indian Residential Schools, so I will start with that. 1-866-925-4419 It would take over 5,000 quadrilles to even begin to express the pain, shame and anger that so many of us feel towards the continuous discoveries and recoveries of precious Indigenous children. Having worked in a Native American daycare, it hurts my heart. Residential "schools" were prisons. Children were stolen from loving families. They were abused physically, emotionally, sexually and spiritually by priests, nuns, ministers and administrators. This took place over a span of more than 150 years in Canada and the U.S.A. Innocent children as young as three years old were forcibly taken from loving parents, had their traditional hair cut and stripped of their own clothing. Their spoken language was prohibited and punished. They were undernourished, under-nurtured and many never saw their parents again. Many families were never told what happened to their children. It is shocking to think that anyone during my lifetime was capable of such evil, especially under the semblance of any 'religion" or government. Generations of Indigenous families have been impacted from the abuse and loss. Residential "School" survivors suffer today and inter generational trauma moves forward without proper acknowledgement and assistance. The TRUTH has been ignored and hidden by church and government, but the voices of these little bones can be heard. Let's listen, learn and stand up. I hope you find the time to research and read the stories of Residential "School" survivors. Many of them have only now found the courage to speak about their painful experiences. To evolve we must be educated. https://fb.watch/7hcZ85Tbk0/ https://youtu.be/ToUVHjr1xK0
