Page:The Pacific Monthly vol. 14.djvu/118



SACAJAWEA,

THE BIRD-WOMAN

Tn memory of Sacajawea, a Shoshone maiden, who was at the head of the Lewis and Clarlt expedition, and whose statue graces the Ex- position, now open, in the City of Portland, Oregon.

In the mighty Western country, Stretcliing far on eittier side, Wliere the Slioshone cauglit the salmon

While he wooed his dusky bride, Lived a bright and comely maiden.

Near the rapid flowing stream Which glides onward toward the ocean

Like a lover's brightest dream — Filling all the land with music.

And with flowers of gaudy hue; Springing from her towering summits, Reared against the azure blue.

Stolen by the treacherous Blackfoot,

Driven far across the plains There to be the slaving mistress

For a master's selfish gains. But a child, in years and stature,

Still a babe was at her breast, When for Clark, she led his convoy

To explore the unknown West. Not a shadow clouds her visage,

Tho' she knows the dangers well; Where their path lies, thro' the desert

She alone, of all, can tell.

Swift to see the safest channel

Through the rapids, foam and spray; Showing where to camp at evening.

Ever watchful thro' the day. Saving many an ugly blunder

By her skill and lack of fear, Sacajawea led them onward

'Till the cataract they hear. When the boats are safely hidden,

And the trail is quickly found. When with silent, fawn-like footsteps

Swift she races o'er the ground.

Never sad, nor discontented;

Joyous as a mountain bird; Through the day she sings of Nature,

And at night her voice is heard Crooning love songs to her infant.

Clasped in rapture to her breast — Of the friends who soon will meet them.

In whose homes thej' both may rest. Thus she cheers the weary travelers

With her promise soon to meet Those who are her nearest kindred,

In their flowery decked retreat.

And when bright the "Lemi"* glimmers

'Neath the low descending sun, Well she knows the noble river —

That her task is nearly done. Welcomes now a band of warriors.

Clasps her sister to her breast, Sobs with joy, to meet her people,

Telling them with fervent zest, Of the kindness of the pale face —

Of their care of her, when ill, Asking that they guide them onward,

That their mission they may All.

Aided by her chieftain brother.

Soon a laden fleet of boats, Gliding onward toward the ocean,

Down the placid river floats; And at last they stand enchanted

On the sandy, sloping shore Where the waves of the Pacific

Like the distant thunders roar. Gazing on the mighty waters,

Sacajawea shrank with fear; Then she smiled and told lier baby

"God is great — His voice I hear." Statue of Sacajawea at the Exposition. By Miss Cooper.

That was all the pay she asked for;

That was all the prize she sought; Though she'd earned a. prince's ransom,

Soon her labors were forgot. For a hundred years she's slumbered.

While a miglity empire grew Where she led the noble captains

And where now is spread to view A bouquet of regal splendor,

Dazzling, like the mid-day sun; Sacajawea, Clark and Lewis

Earned success and grandly won.

E. F. Eldridge.
 * "Lemi," the Indian name of the Snake River.