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History and Myth

Viewing comments for Chapter 47 "Nez Perce War 1877"
Poems that tell stories of long ago

10 total reviews 
Comment from Pantygynt
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This is a great piece of American history, and indeed betrayal, Carol (Ciliverde) has written of this region (her childhood home) as has the Montana Poet Richard Hugo.

The penultimate stanza's second line is a trochaic substitution so, to maintain the feel of the overal iambic pentameter, the line really needs to be of nine syllables to create a catalectic trochaic line.

"People, hear me!" said the grizzled Chief" would, I believe flow better within the overal poem. Just a thought.

 Comment Written 05-Jan-2019


reply by the author on 05-Jan-2019
    Thank you Pantygynt. I'll give that some thought after I have some more morning coffee.
Comment from Joan E.
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I did not remember much of the story of the fierce, proud people except for their chief's famous quote and their being marched to a reservation. Thank you for filling in the details of their bravery in your Blank Verse. Sighs- Joan

 Comment Written 04-Jan-2019


reply by the author on 05-Jan-2019
    Thank you Joan. Just one of many injustices put on the native americans.
Comment from robyn corum
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Tom,

I live right on top of part of the Trail of Tears. A lot of bikers here commemorate that sad event every year with a long ride that covers the entire trail.

The Indians were such a proud and amazing people and it's fabulous that you are honoring part of their history in this way. *smile*

Some notes, if I may?
1.) "People, hear me!" (s)aid worn and grizzled Chief.

2.) "I'm sick and sad(; w)ill fight no more forever.(no space)"

3.) "(no space)I (w)ill fight no more forever."

Thanks!



 Comment Written 04-Jan-2019


reply by the author on 05-Jan-2019
    Thank you Robyn. I guess I read right over those spragues. Appreciate the notice.
Comment from Earl Corp
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I enjoyed this poem immensely. I like American history. It has most everything I look for in a poem. It makes sense, it entertains and it invokes emotions within the reader.

 Comment Written 04-Jan-2019


reply by the author on 04-Jan-2019
    Thank you Earl. In that sence, we must be kindred poetic spirits. I appreciate your review and comments.
Comment from nancy_e_davis
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There is a movie about this event. I remember watching it at some point in my life. That tribe was courageous and determined, but almost became depleated by the end of the battle. I felt so bad for Chief Joseph. He tried so hard to save his tribe.. Well done Tom. Nancy:)

 Comment Written 04-Jan-2019


reply by the author on 04-Jan-2019
    Thank you Nancy. You're correct about that movie. Yes, they started with 2000 warriors, and ended up with 500. By the time they were marched to Oklahoma, only 288 remained. At least the women were sent by train.
reply by nancy_e_davis on 04-Jan-2019
    So sad. So very sad.
Comment from damommy
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The story of the Nez Perce always makes me cry. It was a shame how they were hounded when all they wanted was to live in peace. Your blank verse ready very smoothly and keep my interest all the way through.

 Comment Written 04-Jan-2019


reply by the author on 04-Jan-2019
    Thank you damommy. It is deserving of a good flow of tears. I am pleased you related to this emotionally.
Comment from QC Poet
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A interesting history's mystery's tale retold in a unique poetic fashion and style. I need to learn more about the format composition, and elements.
Thank you for sharing.
Best regards

 Comment Written 04-Jan-2019


reply by the author on 04-Jan-2019
    Thank you George. A Blank Verse poem is written without Rhymes. It does have a set Metrical Pattern though, usually iambic Pentameter. So it has a structure and rhythm unlike Free Verse poems. . But it is a Flexible Form that is often used in narrative and dramatic poetry. It was popularized by William Shakespeare.
Comment from Sandra du Plessis
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A very well-written blank verse poem about a sad occurence in the past that had an impact on our world today as well if we want to admit it or not war and fights for peace are marked in our history background.

 Comment Written 04-Jan-2019


reply by the author on 04-Jan-2019
    Thank you Sandra. So true.
Comment from Dolly'sPoems
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I enjoyed your true story, it has grit and resonance and your words are powerful and profound, such a sad story of deceit and lies, treachery and cunning, a great historical piece, love Dolly x

 Comment Written 04-Jan-2019


reply by the author on 04-Jan-2019
    Thank you Dolly. As you noted, our treatment of the Native Americans was a very dark period of our history.
Comment from c_lucas
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The Nez Pierce were masters of breeding and training horses. The Appaloosa was very much desired for ranch work. This is very well written with a smooth flow of words.

 Comment Written 04-Jan-2019


reply by the author on 04-Jan-2019
    Thank you C_lucxas, Interesting clan with many virtues.
reply by c_lucas on 05-Jan-2019
    You're welcome.