ASHES IN THE WIND

ASHES IN THE WIND
By Donna Penley
 
In the chautauqua Hills stands a monument, my friend;
A chimney rock where council fires and prayers and chants did blend.
The Sac and Fox have left long ago,but their memory is displayed
You see, the fires burned long and Hot and a mirror image made.
The tribes had joined together, blending forces and their blood;
To stand against the tide of settlers advancing ike a flood.
The Chieftains stood together one dark and star flushed night;
The council fire a’burnin’, red, sparks rising high in flight.
The people listened to their words, each in their heart did know
The truth of what they heard that night, that the land with blood would flow.-
 
And a battle waged on Sugarloaf, an’ the native people lost -
Lost their land and homes to “progress”,tTheir destinies star crtossed.
As the ashes rose at Chimney Rock when all their world was one -
To reservations they were sent, Their life of freedom done.
 
Now if you ride down the canyon
from Sugarloaf at dawn;
You’ll see the sandstone mirror
Of Chimney Rock a’ shine in the morning sun.
 
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**Sugarloaf Hill and Chimney Rock are located in Chautauqua County, Kansas, south  and east of the Flint Hills