Copyright–Danny Bowman
This is the photo prompt for Friday Fictioneers. Here’s my 100-word story:
The Promised Land
Watching the cattle graze, Losingo’s mind raced with news of the impending move. The Masai were promised this land forever. Would his family be forced out? He’d heard stories of land taken, given to others. Inhabitants were moved to another promised land, one that could not sustain them. Their animals and children soon died. Would this be the demise of his loved ones? What choice did they have? They could stay here, surrender their animals, and sell beads and dance for tourists. Maybe they could earn enough to move to America. Surely its government wouldn’t force families onto reservations.
Looking at the photo, Woody Guthrie’s song kept playing in my head.
This Land is Your Land. (click for lyrics)Thanks for reading, linking to Friday Fictioneers.
So sad. A powerful piece, Patti.
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Thanks, Naomi.
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oh, heavy heart.
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Reading about that area left mine the same way, Theresa.
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HI Pattis Great 100 words but very sad.
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Thank you, Margaret. Sadly, there’s so much of this.
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Excellent story, Patti.
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Thank you, Jan.
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Wow! Powerful!
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Thanks, Jayne. I affected me, too.
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That was sad.
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Sad that there’s much truth in it, Dawn.
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Nicely done. Liked the scornful reference to ‘dancing for tourists’.
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Thank you, Sandra.
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Sad what we humans do to other humans in the name of progress and civilization-why are we so judgmental,deeming one way of life to be superior to another?A poignant piece Patti.
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Thank you, atrm61. It is sad.
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Yes..sigh!
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What a lot of good stories this week and some unusual points of view! “Progress” can be so painful.
janet
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Thanks, Janet. Yes, it can. Sadly, it isn’t progress for everyone sometimes.
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Reminiscent of the Trail of Tears–sad.
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I’ve not seen that, vbholmes, but I would like to. Thanks for bringing it to my attention.
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In the late 1830s, American President Andrew Jackson forced the Cherokees to give up their lands east of the Mississippi River and move to Oklahoma. It was disastrous for the tribe and became known as The Trail of Tears for the hardships experienced by the people, many of whom died. Your story reminds me of this one, especially your last line.
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Powerful and tragically sad…
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Thanks, Hala.
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Somethings really do make me sad…sigh. This is one.
Linda
http://coloradofarmlife.wordpress.com
http://handcraftedbyus.wordpress.com
♬♬♬ Happy Saint Patrick’s Day ♬♬♬
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The saddest part is I feel so helpless, Linda.
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I can understand.
{{{HUGS}}}
Linda
http://coloradofarmlife.wordpress.com
http://handcraftedbyus.wordpress.com
♬♬♬ Happy Saint Patrick’s Day ♬♬♬
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Dear Patti,
This was breathtaking. So much said in one small explosive package. Not to mention that a fair amount of research went into this.
Nicely done.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Thank you, Rochelle. You’re a good teacher. Shalom.
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I love the irony of your title – The Promised Land. A strong story, Patti.
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Thank you, Karen.
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This is great and a real commentary on this type of legalized land grab. I was recently in the Central Kalahari Game Reserve in Botswana where the bushmen are being forced out – so fracking can take place. Young men at the reserve gates selling beads, arrows, porcupine quills. Sad sad sad.
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You have seen the effects first hand, Patrick. Thanks for sharing.
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Sad Patti but beautifully written.
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Thank you, Pix.
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Of course America wouldn’t do such a wretched thing. We’re the land of the free… unless someone else wants that land! (Some of the reservations out here quite obviously not prime pieces of land…)
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History class didn’t tell the whole story, did it, Janna?
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This is great Patti. I love how you end with a foreshadowing of the disappointment which is sure to come.
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Thanks, Joseph. The more I learn, the more I look forward to our Promised Land.
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Really well done, Patti. I feel this is one of your strongest stories yet, although a sad one.
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Ha. yes believe that?.. the curse of the barren land…
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Yeah, the American government had a great track record for the way they treat native people. I suggest they build a casino and open a smoke shop.
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very sad.. but wonderfully written.
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Very true and very well and ironically expressed. Great job.
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Lovely and powerful, though sad, story of injustice done to Native Americans. Makes you understand why Custer’s troops were killed. It reminds me of the heartbreaking book “Bury My Heart at Wounded Knee”
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Patti, wow! I love where you took this. The Masai are such noble people, and this land does remind me of them. Nice job.
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Sad and all too true
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