Melanie C. Campos ~ MahTame

NEITHER SAVAGE, NOR BARBARIC

I am neither savage nor barbaric
You will not see me ride a horse
To get to my job across the city
Still misinformed folks! Of Course!

My home is made of yellow brick
Not like the tepees of buffalo hide
And cook on a gas stove with oven
In a neighborhood where I reside

Have electricity, running water, gas
A telephone that rings sometimes
Although I do love natural sun light
I’m well protected inside with walls

My car is from the Dodge maker
It does pretty well given the mileage
Although walking is good exercise
Driving is better as I get older with age

I’m educated with a bachelor’s degree
Teach in our public school system
Morals and values are part of the plan
As my ancestors taught from them

My hair is long; and regularly trimmed
Keep it colored with dye, don’t like the gray
But will wear braid ties during dances
As I wear my regalia of the Kiowa Way

I will wear tennis shoes made of rubber
And other man-made materials for shoes
Although my moccasins of deer hide I wear
During various occasions I deem fit too

Mah-Tame-Day-Ahnt-Ah-Gy-Ah; me
My Kiowa name given when Grandma died
Teachings are/is very good is the meaning
Neither savage, nor barbaric that’s been implied