Were these the Americans
The first humankind to be found here?
They came without trumpet
Or banner or deed.
Indeed without interest
In owning the ground here.
Or hanging around here.
All other inhabitants
Scampered to hide
When these two-footed creatures
Appeared on their lawn.
And watched with awe
As fire was made for meat to braise.
For instant shelter a tipi they'd raise.
They'd camp overnight
A couple of days and move on.
They were here.
Then they were gone.
For thousands of years
The balance of nature
Went undisturbed in the least
By the coming and going
Of the native people
Among fowl, fish, insect and beast.
For thousands of years
These tribal folk thrived
And would even now
But for the pale-skin strangers
The Changers.