Melanie C. Campos ~ MahTame

KEEP WHAT’S LEFT, NEAR

The prairie speaks of my ancestors
That migrated from Montana to here
Hunting buffalo among their neighbors
along the northern to southern frontier

The stories told, the songs they sang
The drums beat with great reverberance
Dancing, men, women, and children sprang
Feathers and regalia, along with the lance

The mountains, rivers, creeks, and hills
Welcoming grandfathers and grandmothers
My people, passed down teachings and skills
To be held in the greatest respect and honors

Some traditions have gone; some are alive
“POLAH-YEE-GAH—The Rabbit Dance”[*]
For our little ones, continue this to thrive
And carry the pride from this dancing prance

“If you are a leader, arise and dance.”
The Opening Song, the official Chief Song
Of the “OHOMA — The Warrior’s Dance”
Was always performed before a war expedition[*]

‘Keep for as long as they protect and cherish their
Kiowa ways’ said Red Wolf to a lost Kiowa Warrior
Red Wolf taught him the songs and dances to share
The “TIAH-PAH — The Kiowa Gourd Dance “with fervor[*]

Soon, our Kiowa Warriors and Veterans will remember
“T’OW-KOW-GHAT — THE BLACK LEGS DANCE”[*]
The songs celebrated both survival and death’s honor
To continue these ceremonies is of great importance

I have heard from the wind blowing through the prairie
‘Keep what you have been taught; hold it dear
Never lose your dignity, pride and strength to wary
Some things have been lost, but keep what’s left near’