Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, A SAVAGE, by JOHN BOYLE O'REILLY


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Classic and Contemporary Poetry

A SAVAGE, by                     Poet's Biography
First Line: Dixon, a choctaw, twenty years of age
Last Line: And drops without a moan: dixon is dead.
Subject(s): Native Americans; Indians Of America; American Indians; Indians Of South America


DIXON, a Choctaw, twenty years of age,
Had killed a miner in a Leadville brawl;
Tried and condemned, the rough-beards curb their rage,
And watch him stride in freedom from the hall.

"Return on Friday, to be shot to death!"
So ran the sentence, -- it was Monday night.
The dead man's comrades drew a well-pleased breath;
Then all night long the gambling-dens were bright.

The days sped slowly; but the Friday came,
And flocked the miners to the shooting-ground;
They chose six riflemen of deadly aim,
And with low voices sat and lounged around.

"He will not come." "He's not a fool."
"The men
Who set the savage free must face the blame."
A Choctaw brave smiled bitterly, and then
Smiled proudly, with raised head, as
Dixon came.

Silent and stern, a woman at his heels,
He motions to the brave, who stays her tread.
Next minute flame the guns, -- the woman reels
And drops without a moan: Dixon is dead.





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