White And Red Lament Poem by L C Vieira

We are here because of you
We are here because of you
We took this land
and said you're through, man
We are here because of you.

A mighty machine we broke in
Used our tools to strike you down
Turned your kindnesses around
You didn't know where you were bound

We are here because of you
We are here because of you
We took this land
and said you're through, man
We are here because of you

When your strength was almost gone
And we'd tore apart your home
You stood aside with ancient sorrow
Held with your wisdom of tomorrow

We are here because of you
We're still here because of you
You wish the past would disappear, man
We're still here because of you

In the wild skies even now
The stars and tree tops echo still
We'll forever be around, man
For this land gives birth to will

We are here because of you
Long before and after you
From this earth rises our will, man
Will reminds us we're not through.

(2007 Written on Ojibwe land, Allanwater Bridge, Ontario)