Iron Houses

Where inmates forced
to cut their shoulder-long hair
feel like an eagle
who's wings have been clipped

are also forbidden
visits from the medicine man
possession of eagle feathers
burning of sweet grass and sage
smoking the Sacred Pipe
wearing of a headband

warders are committing sacrilege
on the memory of the Indian
they deny him the legitimate right to
get into touch with his ancient religion

they forbid him to communicate
forcing him to alienate
by putting under taboo
Mother Earth