The next photo is the PHOTO PROMPT. Where does it take you? Tell us a story in a hundred words or less.
Note: It’s friendly gesture, if not common courtesy, to acknowledge the photographer.
PHOTO PROMPT – © Jennifer Pendergast
Genre: Historical Fiction
Word Count: 100
MY COUNTRY ‘TIS OF THY PEOPLE YOU’RE DYING
Eighty winters have passed on Colville Reservation since Chief Joseph told us stories of our people, but his face is ever before me.
“My heart is sick when I remember their good words and broken promises,” he said. “They confiscated our land and pursued us for three moons until we were only forty miles from Canada and freedom.”
My twelve-year-old heart thumped wildly. “Why did you surrender?”
“Our children were freezing and their mothers had no food.” Chief Joseph’s weary eyes became distant clouds without lightning or thunder, heavy with rain. “I will fight no more against the white man.”
.
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Chief Joseph and Family c. 1880
Nez Perce Canoe
This is kind of long but worth the listen if you have the time.
Rochelle Wisoff-Fields-Addicted to Purple 
A sad story wonderfully put in minimal words.
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Thank you, Ira.
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Dear Rochelle,
Sadly your moving flash has plenty of similarities to what is occurring now.
I have known some story tellers, like Chief Joseph, whose face will always float before me when certain tales are told. It is a dying art.
Cheers Irene
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Dear Irene,
Chief Joseph was an eloquent speaker according to what I’ve read. It’s said he died of a broken heart. His story certainly broke mine.
History has a way of repeating itself, doesn’t it?
Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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The sadness of this is so strong.. giving up is sometimes the only option, but it doesn’t mean that it feels right.. I will get back when I have thought out another story… Love the image.
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Dear Björn,
Overall sadness and defeat were the feelings I was aiming for. After following the research trail, I felt like the twelve year old in the story even as I wrote.
Thank you for coming by with your kind words.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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I am not sure that ‘Like’ is appropriate here, Rochelle.
Your words are as potent as ever, with their message of ethnic cleansing.
Sadly this occurred not only in ‘The Land of the Free’, but across the world, to wherever man took his message of civilisation.
I love Buffy Sainte Marie, a First Nations Canadian, of course, whose Universal Soldier was a sixties anthem, popularised over here by Glasgow’s Donovan.
Once again, you leave us thinking.
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Dear CE,
The singer says it all in the line…”of the genocide basic of this country’s birth…”
I, too, love Buffy Sainte-Marie. Alas, Universal Soldier got her blacklisted by two presidents. I’m only just finding this out. 😦 I loved her music in the 60’s. Suddenly she disappeared from the American music scene. I’m glad she was so popular in Canada.
Thank you for your encouraging comments.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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I love her, as well. I especially love her song, “Little Wheel Spin and Spin …”
Will check out Donovan’s version of “Universal Soldier.”
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I love that song, too, Vijaya. She’s simply amazing. 😀
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very moving story
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Thank you, Fuzzy.
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A powerful story of mistreatment of Native Americans by the U.S. Government of the time. As a government, there are certainly times it’s made laws that were the opposite of just. The Native Americans had every reason to be bitter. Well written once again, Rochelle. —- Suzanne
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Dear Suzanne,
American history is full of injustice and genocide, isn’t it? This is the story that resonated in me this week and begged to be told.
Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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This reminds me of the old joke – the punchline being, ‘and before too long they had all the land and we had all the bibles’. Good story, beautifully told.
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Dear Sandra,
If I’d had more than a hundred words I would have included the fact that Chief Joseph tore up his Bible at the breaking of the treaty. Bibles, beads and diseased blankets, what a trade off.
Thank you so much.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Oh, Sandra – what a line!
Rochelle -a sad piece of truth in history.
You always manage to hold up an a mirror on humanity.
Randy
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Dear Randy,
There are so many sad pieces of history to choose from. Kind of like a box of chocolates. 😉
Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Painful to read but well said.
Tracey
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Dear Tracey,
It was painful to research and write as well.
Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Every people has its history and its crimes, but if we cannot right the wrongs we did, surely we have a duty to accept, remember and to try to make things right in the here and now. Another lovely sad story from your expert pen.
And thanks for giving me a whole lot more to do today!!!
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Dear Jennifer,
Your comments make me smile. It’s a great photo. Enjoy your busy day. 😉
Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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These words broke my heart: ‘Chief Joseph’s weary eyes became distant clouds without lightning or thunder, heavy with rain. “I will fight no more against the white man.”’
A heart-rending story, told, as always, with compassion, clarity, tautness.
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Dear Vijaya,
It was the best way I could describe the photos I’ve seen of him. They say he died of a broken heart. I’m pleased that it worked for you.
Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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One of many heart-breaking stories that occurred when whites and Indians met. Not all went the same way, but ultimately the last heartbreak was that of the Indians. All countries, not just America, have these stories and we do well to remember them.
janet
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Forgot to add the “I will fight no more forever” is one of those phrases etched in my mind from childhood stories. Thanks for the reminder.
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Dear Janet,
The overwhelming problem is that we don’t remember the injustices. 😦 We recently watched a 1975 movie entitled “I Will Fight No More Forever” which was an historically accurate account of the Nez Perce and Chief Joseph. That sent me traveling down the research trail to know more.
Thank you for taking the time to read and comment. It’s really nice to see you back among the “Hollywood Squares,” too.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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I might be Paul Lynde, Rochelle. 🙂
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Native-Americans had no real chance for victory. Chief Joseph made a painful decision, but he made the right one to save as much of his people as he could. Great story, Rochelle!
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Watching the movie and then reading your story enforces the drive you have for storytelling. You do it expertly. Chief Joseph made a sad decision but the right one for his people. Wisdom knows many hardships.
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Dear Jan,
Having your support means a lot.
Love,
Rochelle
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Ow!
That hurt my heart.
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Dear Dawn,
Mission accomplished. 😉
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Buffy is definitely one of our treasures! (Not that all appreciate her, of course). What a perfect mix of song to words – again.
You truly do have a gift of bringing to life, in so few words, the stories of forgotten peoples. (I have to agree with C.e. that it is difficult to “like” most of your stories!)
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Dear Dale,
I can live with it being difficult to “like” my darker stories. There should be different icons…on second thought, maybe not.
I debated over whether or not to include the Buffy Sainte-Marie song since it’s a long one, but it just seemed to fit. I was in high school the first time I heard it and it went right through me.
Thank you for your wonderful comments.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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We are liking the story, if not the subject! Let us call it an acknowledgment!
It doesn’t matter how long the song is, the readers always have the option to turn it off!
Have a great day!
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The sense of disappointment and defeat is so palpable. I wonder which is more heart-breaking, the disappearance of species or of cultures.
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Dear Jolly,
Both disappearances are sad and a sorry example of how humans rape the earth.
Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Sad but true
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Sad indeed, Charly. Thank you for coming by to read and comment.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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As always my pleasure Rochelle. Quite a nice group of writers you got going here.
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the tragedy is it keeps happening, only places change.
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Dear Arora,
As long as there are people I fear this tragedy will continue to happen.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Your ability to relate your stories to historical events is fascinating to me. I admire your skills.
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Dear Ruth,
What lovely things to say. Thank you for those encouraging words.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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That is such a moving story. The point of view you’ve taken makes it even more poignant – I can feel the child’s confusion and disappointment with his father’s surrender, and the chief’s total loss of heart. Wonderfully told.
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Dear Margaret,
it’s always a challenge to decide whose point of view to write from. I’m pleased that the boy spoke to you.
Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Recently, I wrote about hypocrisy (for the recent Sunday Photo Fiction titled Cola, Americana), so this stirred a lot within. Haunting piece of writing and the song especially (Buffy’s voice is beautiful), both capture the terrible deeds committed in a powerful way.
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Dear Francesca,
Buffy’s a unique individual. I loved her music when I was a teenager and my opinion hasn’t changed, if anything it’s grown.
Thank you for your sweet comments.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Perfectly titled, and the music makes it even more heartbreaking. Thanks for reminding me of Buffy Sainte-Marie. I got acquainted with her music when I was in Canada, but forgot after I left.
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Dear GAH,
And I was afraid the video was too long to interest anyone. I’m so pleased that she enjoyed stardom in Canada. She deserved it. Amazing woman.
Thank you for your lovely comments.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Dear Rochelle
I loved your story, in a sad sort of way. Such hopelessness for a people who lived in harmony with nature, although the different tribes didn’t always live in harmony with each other.
My story, that I’ll post tomorrow, is also related to the Native American dilemma but told from a different slant. I’m hoping the vision of the “dreamer” in my tale will strike a chord with you.
I’m so happy to be able to participate in Friday Fictioneers after a two-month break and have time to read others’ contributions. Have missed you all.
All best wishes
Sarah
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Dear Sarah,
The vision of the dreamer in your story did indeed strike a chord with me. I’m pleased that mine seemed to strike a chord with you, too. I’m also happy to see you back in the fold. 😉
Shalom,
Rochelle
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A very sad tale, and the music woeful! You always provide such interesting insight into the world through your flashes! Thank you for being such a gracious and creative host!
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Dear Yolanda Renee,
Two of my passions are bringing moments in history to light and facilitating Friday Fictioneers.
Thank you for your lovely comments.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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“Why did we surrender?” – The line captures the angst that gets carried down the generations. Good one!
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Dear Ansumani,
I can only imagine what the boy felt. I’m glad you caught the feel of my story.
Thank you for saying so.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Dear Esther,
A heartbreaking tale. Beautifully written and filled with emotion. Your words move and touch the reader. Not everyone can do that.
~ Charlie
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Dear Charlie,
Thank you for such a wonderful compliment. My mouth hurts from smiling.
Shalom,
Esther
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Oh, so sad. Very well written Rochelle
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Thank you, Solo.
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one sad story in the history of this great nation.
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A very sad story, Plaridel.
Thank you for commenting. Good to see you back.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Dear Rochelle, Your story is very moving! I remember when I was in grade school and learning about the “Birth” of our country. My teachers were always honest in the true history of the Taking of Their Land. We knew the horrible injustices that happened but that has always happened throughout history in every culture and country and probably always will. Sad. Thanks for making us pause to think. Nan
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Dear Nan,
I remember the stories in school, but it wasn’t until the late 60’s early 70’s that it came into the spotlight. I clearly remember Buffy Sainte-Marie and then the movie “Little Big Man.” Suddenly cowboys and Indians wasn’t a cute game, was it?
Thank you for coming by to read and comment.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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sad but true
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Very sad, Dee Dee.
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Great story of a sad time in history.
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Thank you, Ali.
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Always war, oppression, genocide. Well illustrated.
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Dear Patrick,
Alas, there always has been. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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I enjoy reading your stories as I always learn something or am made aware of something. You give history a personal feel and that is just perfect.
A question about including InLinks code in my submission: when I click the link I get this message – You need to be logged it to access the code.
Is it ok that I just provide a link for the site with all the links (if that makes sense)?
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Dear MTO,
It seems you figured out the link thing before I could answer. 😉
Thank you for your lovely comments concerning my story. If you haven’t guessed yet, my passion is historical fiction.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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A sad story of displacement from their motherland. No race should be compelled to leave their native place and settle elsewhere. But this is happening in most parts of the world.
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Dear Kalpana,
A sad truth. It does keep happening all over the world.
Thank you for reading and commenting.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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There’s a museum dedicated to him about 100 miles south of where I live. My family and I have visited it a time or two. It brings the whole “frontier” thing home in a big way.
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Dear Alice,
That sounds like an interesting museum.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Dear Rochelle
A beautifully moving piece;everything I want to say has already said so I will just say ‘ditto’ to all the well deserved comments and thank you for bringing this heartbreaking tale to my attention.
Best wishes
Dee
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Dear Dee,
Thank you for such a lovely comment. This is a piece of history that people need to be made aware of, in my opinion. I appreciate your coming by to read and comment.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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This is such a shameful period in US history, and it’s not honored for what it is. It continues to have repercussions to today.
It reminds me powerfully of the refugee situation in Syria and what my family went through at various times in history.
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Dear Emilie,
It is a shameful part of US history. The refugee situation in Syria is distressing, particularly as I see so many closing their borders to them.
Thank your for reading and adding your comments. 🙂
Shalom,
Rochelle
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My wife and I devour documentaries on native Americans as well as on The Final Solution. It is unbelievable how cruel man has proven himself to be throughout history and into today.
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Dear Emilio,
My husband and I do the same. I’m fascinated with different cultures. Of course, the Holocaust and Jewish history are near and dear to my heart due to heredity.
Thank you for taking the time to read and comment. It’s what I love about Friday Fictioneers.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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A powerful testimony to truths and to people we so often try to brush under the mental rug. Thank you for sharing that song and this homage.
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Dear Anne,
If only cultures could learn from one another without trying to destroy each other. Sharing the song was my pleasure. It’s been one of my all time favorites since the 60’s.
Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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once more I love your historical take. So many things we ought not forget.
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Dear Samantha,
I’m glad you liked my story. There’s so much we haven’t learned from history, isn’t there?
Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Yes, so many people are determined to ignore the mistakes we have made.
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Beautifully written, Rochelle. Such a heart wrenching history they have. And the wounds are deep.
This line is magical: Chief Joseph’s weary eyes became distant clouds without lightning or thunder, heavy with rain.
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Dear Amy,
It is such a tragic history. The theft of their land was terrible, but worse, I think is the rape of the culture. What made the white man think that his ways were the only ways?
As always, your comments encourage me. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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You pack a lot of history in your 100 words. Beautifully done, too.
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Thank you Erin. That means a lot. 😀
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Colonialists of every nation have much to answer for.
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No arguments there, Liz.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Rochelle,
wonderful story as always. I had heard about Chief Joseph before as one of the great Native American chiefs, but didn’t know much about him. That was a period of a lot of terrible deeds against Native Americans, but it’s good to remember them.
-David
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Dear David,
Native American history is a heartbreaking for the most part. When I was growing up 90% of the movies and television vilified them (always portrayed by non-indigenous) or made them out to be ignorant savages.
At any rate, I’m glad you liked my story.
Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Very sad or tragic is the right word but very beautifully written. You make me feel the pain with your words. You are right rape of culture is worse than……..though both are terrible.
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Dear Indira,
Not that I would want to cause anyone pain, I’m pleased, nonetheless that you felt the Native American’s plight in my story.
Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Querida Rochelle,
I posted late last night. My weary bones could not stay up any longer. (my apologies)
I think history has a great many atroscities. Governments don’t concern themselves with the effects on people. Sadly, we are seeing that today in the news with the Syrians. I think if we all do research on our cultures (as I know you do with yours and I have done with my Puerto Rican history) there is a sad dynamic between all of them. I believe it’s man being inhumane to man.
Your FF stories are always thought provoking. You bring to the forefront many things we should not forget. Thank you for writing this and for hosting.
Aficionada,
Isadora 😎
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Querida Isadora,
Gracias para la sonrisa. (Did I say that right. My Spanish is rusty, but I think everyone should be bilingual…alas I fall short of fluent in anything save English.)
I’m all too aware of atrocities throughout history. I don’t understand people who feel they have the right to do the thing they do.
Last year an old white supremacist went on a rampage here in KC and shot three people between the Jewish Community Center and one of the synagogues. When he stood trial he showed no remorse other than the fact that the people he killed weren’t Jewish. Arrrrrrrgh!
Now that I’ve gone off on a tangent I’ll simply say thank you for your comments and compliments.
Shalom v’ahava, (Peace and Love)
Rochelle
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I’m pleased I was able to bring a chuckle to you today. Yes, your Spanish is muy bueno. I have no one to speak the language with except my hubby. We try to keep it up. I’m happy my parenst taught it to us. We spoke Spanish inside the and English only outside the house. We had and have impeccable language skills in both. (that’s hubby and I – he was raised the same way.
Oh, I could tell tales about so many injustices and heartless mean people but as you said, “I don’t understand people who feel they have the right to do the thing they do”.
We best serve these situations by writing about them. Keep those words on the page …
Con Paz y Amor,
Isadora 😎
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Fascinating story. The oppression of indigenous people in the name of progress is a story that needs to be told over and over again.
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Dear Subroto,
I couldn’t agree more. The past needs to be ever before us, even though we don’t seem to learn much from it.
Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Best intentions… and the days got away from me! Wonderful piece, Rochelle. I almost went with a First Nation approach, it works with this prompt so well! I took a similar voice despite my different angle, as the boat so calls for it. This is so touching and painful. Such a bitter, sad history for our nation… and of course, you approach it so beautifully. Wonderful!
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Dear Dawn,
You’ve had an awful lot on your plate lately so I understand. I do appreciate your coming by to read and comment, though. 😉
It is a tragic history and one that has always appalled and fascinated me.
Thank you for your encouraging words.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Great story – loved the description of his eyes – distant stormclouds, heavy with rain…loved it. Excellent imagery.
I’m not quite as fond of this line…”My twelve-year-old heart thumped wildly”…but it’s difficult to say exactly why it didn’t resonate with me. It *could* be the repetition of ‘heart’ actions (his heart was sick, her heart was thumping’), but I’m not sure. It just seemed a little jarring.
Still, another well written and tragically cutting historical piece.
KT
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Dear KT,
You make some good points and, at some point I might change the heart line. I usually avoid repetition like that. I appreciate your honest crit.
At any rate I’m glad you liked the story overall.
Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Dear Rochelle,
Once again you masterfully bring a bit of history to life in such a very limited space. This is such a sad story and the video was moving …
Ciao, Georgia.
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Dear Georgia,
There are so many sad stories like this. Glad you liked the story and the video. It’s one of my all time favorite songs.
Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Mine too. 🙂
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Since I can remember, I had a soft spot for the tragedy of Native Americans. Never really liked those movies about cowboys and Indians when I was a kid. Your story manages to relay the essence of their tragedy in so few words. Great as ever, Rochelle.
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Dear Loré,
Lately I’ve been watching some of the old television programs. On one show I watched yesterday a character mentioned “thieving Apaches” and I found myself bristling. It’s sad that instead of learning from the indigenous, the white men decided to wipe them out. Sad history indeed.
Thank you for coming and leaving such lovely comments.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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I would imagine you’ve read A People’s History of the United States by Howard Zinn. If not, please do. You’ll see that not only the “white man” decimated the Native Americans, but so did Cortes and Pizarro in other parts of the Americas. Such a sad history.
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Dear Emilio.
I haven’t read the book but I’m well aware of the Spaniards part in Native American History. Very sad history indeed. I’ll keep the book on my list, too.
Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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I just happen to be reading it mow!
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