The Cherokee Path, a poem penned by Martha Moongazer Beard in November 2005, serves as a poignant and evocative lament for the forced removal of the Cherokee people from their ancestral lands, an event historically known as the Trail of Tears. This contemporary poem, deeply rooted in Native American history and culture, utilizes vivid imagery and heartfelt emotion to convey the profound suffering and enduring spirit of the Cherokee Nation.
The poem opens with a scene of solitary reflection, establishing a somber and introspective mood. The speaker, alone "with the moon," a celestial body often associated with femininity, intuition, and the passage of time, expresses a deep sorrow that emanates from the very core of her being: "my spirit cries." This initial cry sets the stage for the exploration of the collective trauma inflicted upon the Cherokee people, a trauma born from the injustices and deceptions perpetrated by white settlers, referred to as "white men’s lies." The use of the possessive "men’s" highlights the collective nature of the betrayal and underscores the systemic oppression faced by the Cherokee.
The subsequent lines paint a picture of violent dispossession. The Cherokee people were "taken by force from our mountain home," a phrase that emphasizes the brutal and involuntary nature of their removal. The loss of their "mountain home" signifies not just the loss of physical land, but also the loss of a deeply intertwined connection to their history, culture, and identity. The mountains, often considered sacred spaces in Native American cultures, represented stability, security, and a spiritual connection to the earth. To be forcibly removed from this sacred space was a devastating blow.
Further emphasizing the weight of their suffering, the poem describes the Cherokee as being "robbed of freedom, hearts heavy like stone." This line captures the emotional burden carried by the Cherokee people, a burden so immense that it weighed down their hearts, turning them to stone. The loss of freedom, a fundamental human right, is presented as a direct consequence of the white settlers’ actions, further highlighting the injustice of their plight. The image of hearts turning to stone speaks to the numbing effect of trauma and the emotional toll of enduring such profound loss.
The poem then delves into the harrowing details of the Trail of Tears itself. "The path was long and littered with death," a stark and unflinching description of the arduous journey. The phrase "littered with death" evokes a sense of the sheer scale of the tragedy and the devastating loss of life that occurred along the trail. The journey was not merely difficult; it was a death march, a testament to the cruelty and indifference of those who orchestrated the removal.
The speaker’s connection to the land remains unbroken, as she continues, "Alone with the wind, my spirit does not forget." Even in the face of such immense suffering, the speaker’s spirit remains resilient, refusing to forget the horrors of the Trail of Tears. The wind, often associated with change and transformation, also carries the memories and stories of the past. The speaker’s communion with the wind suggests a deep connection to the ancestral spirits and a commitment to preserving their memory.
The lines "The blood of my blood left on that cursed trail, / With the young, the old, the fragile, the frail" offer a poignant glimpse into the human cost of the Trail of Tears. The phrase "blood of my blood" emphasizes the familial and communal bonds that were broken by the forced removal. The inclusion of "the young, the old, the fragile, the frail" highlights the vulnerability of those who suffered the most during the journey. The indiscriminate nature of the suffering underscores the inhumanity of the policies that led to the Trail of Tears. The trail itself is deemed "cursed," reflecting the deep sense of pain and trauma associated with it.
The poem continues to depict the relentless nature of the forced march: "Forced to march into the unknown." This line captures the sense of uncertainty and fear that permeated the lives of the Cherokee people as they were driven from their homes. The "unknown" represents not just a new physical location, but also a future filled with uncertainty and challenges. The phrase "forced to march" emphasizes the lack of agency and the complete disregard for their well-being.
In the face of such adversity, the speaker expresses a deep sense of loyalty and love for her people: "For my proud Cherokee family my spirit now moans." This line reveals the enduring strength of the Cherokee spirit and the unwavering commitment to family and community. The word "proud" suggests a refusal to be broken by oppression, while the word "moans" acknowledges the profound grief and sorrow that accompany their suffering. This complex emotional landscape underscores the resilience and humanity of the Cherokee people. The Cherokee Path is not just a journey; it’s a testament to their endurance.
However, the poem does not end in despair. Instead, it offers a message of hope and resilience: "But we did not die, / Our souls are still here / Walking in spirit on the trail of the tear." This powerful declaration asserts the enduring presence of the Cherokee spirit, even in the face of unimaginable loss. The Cherokee people may have been physically removed from their land, but their souls remain connected to it, forever walking in spirit on the Trail of Tears. This image suggests a spiritual connection to the land that transcends physical boundaries and a commitment to remembering and honoring the sacrifices of their ancestors. The Cherokee Path is a spiritual journey.
The final lines of the poem offer a powerful testament to the enduring legacy of the Cherokee people. Despite the immense suffering they endured, their spirit remains unbroken, their culture survives, and their story continues to be told. The poem serves as a reminder of the injustices of the past and a call to action to ensure that such atrocities are never repeated. "The Cherokee Path" is a powerful and moving poem that captures the pain, resilience, and enduring spirit of the Cherokee people.
The enduring power of "The Cherokee Path" lies in its ability to connect with readers on an emotional level, fostering empathy and understanding for the Cherokee people and their history. It serves as a valuable reminder of the importance of remembering the past and working towards a more just and equitable future for all. The Cherokee Path, a journey of tears, a testament of survival.