a chief choking down the

blood of his pride.

one tent under the north star.

while peace is kept between tribes.

attempting to dance wild enough

to shake off his scales.

gored by the gross injustice

of what has not been told

in full--his battle cry.

a vision of mounting his legless

horse, outrunning freedom.

prostrate dust of a trail blazed.

seeking the wisdom of ancestors.

who sing him the settled scores

of sleep, to sleep.