Cherokee Indian TSALI
In the Smokey Mountains so high
where you can reach up
and touch the sky.
There is a town to be found
that's Cherokee ground.
When Cherokee were
made to leave this land
They held to these mountains
making a stand.
Ancestors died on the trail of tears,
but their Spirits still lingers here.
Great Chief Junaluska
had spoken for peace
to live along side the white man
and fighting should cease.
The braves and warriors took heed,
but in the white mans
heart was greed.
Cherokees for years
had walked this ground
The Great Spirit was all around
Cherokee Mountain Indians,
brave and proud honored
this land in the clouds.
But there came a plan
to take their land
The white man said TRUST US.
But for the Cherokee
there was no justice
.
The indians could no longer stay.
Making a trail of tears along the way.
Forced from their land without care.
Their sorrow so hard to bear.
But the Great Spirit
these mountains were given
but out of this land
the Cherokee were driven.
A trail of tears was shed
as their brave hearts bled.
They were hunted down
til none could be found.
It seemed the Great Spirt no longer
heard their plaintive words.
No matter how hard they strived many
lost their lives.
One band was held against their will
with the threat to kill.
But out of the land came one
whose honor burned like a flame.
Tsali, a Cherokee indian brave
his noble life he gave.
He walked tall that day
as his life was taking away.
His people he did save
as his life he bravely gave..
Look Unto These Hills
as in your eyes trears fill.
It was Tsali's choice.
Now these mountains
speak with his voice.
Tsali's Spirit lives all around
this Cherokee indian ground.
It is present in the nights foggy mist
and the mornings dew kissed.
In these old mountains so high
Tsali's Spiritfloats free in the sky.
Everywhere is Tsali's face
as his Spirit is embraced.
In the Valley's, Mountain's,
River's and Stream's
Tsali comes to his people
in their dreams.
His descendents Eagle dance
still with an unbroken will.
Tsali's name and Spirit remains honored..
Yet as the Cherokee will never forget.
Tsali's very life and soul did he give
so that his people might live...
By Barbara La Barbera
Used with permission.
You can see the play Unto These Hills
in Cherokee, North Carolina.
May the Spirit be with you!
Thank you for this path walking with me!!
MorningStar Joni
