At the Nez Perce camp with Spirit Woman

Tipi lodge poles point to sky,
random clouds laid on blue like their camp
dotting meadow grass, not as green
though as your eyes. We two see
where Rainbow Warrior fell,

suspect blood brother Five Wounds died
later that day laying siege
to soldiers huddled in hollows so deep
only more Nez Perce blood
could make them rise to fight.

We wander together reviewing death,
see where Wahlitits and wife
lay in final embrace, her birthing day
denied by this battle Chief Joseph
could not defer. You sense her spirit still,

see it bend meadow grass turned gold,
quickly gather red clover
for power before evening sky gone gray.
As for me, I scan the horizon,
wondering why she had no name.

Timothy Pilgrim