Cherokee

<p> Early this morning I ran to the clear waters of Sugar Creek excited to see how pretty I looked in my new birthday dress. Today I am ten years old.</p><p>I heard noises I couldn't understand moans cries wailing and carryings on the ricochet of gunshots and distant explosions. I climbed the ridge and watched as a procession of my Cherokee people moved west along the road toward Gramma's farm carrying their belongings in large bundles.</p><p> Soldiers on horseback prodded the people with their long rifles and screamed at them to hurry up and move. I don't know why the soldiers forced our people to leave their nice homes large farms and businesses.</p><p>I watched my folks and our neighbors huddle together as they marched. Pa led a portion of the tribe while Ma walked next to him her head high tears streaming down her cheeks. My young brothers joined with other neighborhood boys as if they played a fun game. </p><p>What is this? My family and all of our friends and neighbors are out there marching away leaving me behind!</p><p> Ma! Ma! I hollered with tears running down my cheeks. Wait for me! I want to go too!<br> <br> </p>