" Shadow Warrior "

I loved each of Joe's stories
But there was one, I know he held dear
For each time he told it
Within his voice there was a tear
-
Joe had outwitted the blue soldiers
Who had long since given up on his trail
He had ridden deep into the mountains
When the winds began to whale
-
He tried to outrun the coming storm
But it was on him in a flash
A great devil wind had formed over head
Throwing Joe down with a crash
-
The last thing he remembered
Joe saw his pony picked up by the wind
Then carried off into the heavens
Where it was never seen again
-
When Joe finally came to
He was in for a surprise
He found himself in a white man's cabin
Staring into an old woman's eyes
-
Joe was unable to move
His injuries were great
But he knew if not for her kindness
Death would have been his fate
-
Over the course of the winter
Joe's injuries would mend
And it was she who taught Joe English
And helped him to walk once again
-
It was then he learned her story
She spoke of her late husband with tears
Saying he had died from a fever
And she had been alone for many years
-
Though she said her name was Hatti
That wasn't the name Joe would select
He would forever call her Grandma
A name he spoke with great respect
-
Once Joe had healed
He filled Hattie's cellar with game
Then filled her wood bin to the top
Promising to always honor her name
-
Joe knew the blue soldiers would return
So in the Spring he bid Grandma farewell
Asking the Great Spirit to protect her
As he traveled the mountain trail
-
Joe was only gone for a day
When he heard the great drums of war
He knew Grandma was now in danger
As battles raged across the valley floor
-
He knew anyone white
Would now feel the Indian Nation's wrath
And Grandma's wooden cabin
Would soon lie in their path
-
As Joe made his way back
He heard Grandma's shotgun ring out
A small band had surrounded the cabin
Joe heard their war cries and shouts
-
Hidden within the shadows
Joe crouched down very low
And though it saddened his heart
He took deadly aim with his bow
-
To the warriors shock and dismay
Joe's arrows streaked out of the dark
Warriors began to fall
As each arrow found its mark
-
A fleeting shadow in the night
It was all the warriors could see
Joe continued to attack
Until the warriors began to flee
-
They soon returned with others
But were again turned away
Then returned in full force
Just before the break of day
-
But as they moved towards the cabin
The dead were no longer where they lay
They found each warrior upon his knees
As if before a master they pray
-
Joe knows they now number many
And if they should attack
He cannot defeat them all
Or even turn them back
-
So he calls out to their chief
Joe's voice now echoes across the night
Grandmother is not your enemy
Leave or die before the morning light
-
I am the spirit of the Shadow Warrior
I've been sent to turn you away
Grandmother has won the Great Spirit's Heart
You will honor her forever and a day
-
Make your choice now
Before the coming light
Or forever find me as your enemy
In every shadow of the night
-
Joe knew his bluff had worked
When the chief bowed his head
Then gave an order to his braves
To gather up their dead
-
Though battles with the soldiers went on
Grandma Hattie was honored many ways
As she would be looked after and protected
For the rest of her days
-
But she knew within her heart
Just as certain as rivers flow
That the Spirit of the Shadow Warrior
Was really her Cherokee Joe !!
-
Written by:
Robert Pledger©
3/1/09