I stood all alone upon the bluff I could see for miles around; The sky was so beautiful and blue Everywhere were nature sounds. Across the valley where mountains rise Smoke puffs filled the sky; It was a messaage from the chief I felt a sudden chill as his words did fly. The message was over in minutes But would live on for many years; He told me about a journey It was called "The Trail of Tears". The Cherokees' homes were taken from them Which they had worked so long and hard for; Thousands were lost along the way Upon reaching Oklahoma, they lost more. They hated this new barren land That they were made to live upon; There was nothing they could do Their fate was sealed by just one man. These people who loved all creation Liked nothing better than to be free; Were displaced with no regard No more beautiful mountains could they see. They made the best of what they had For them life would never be the same; The way that they were forced to live Made them weep and feel such shame. © Cecelia M. Gross ~ 9th October 2002 Please email Cecelia Gross for permission to use ' Trail of Tears' God bless you Cecelia for sending me ' Trail of Tears' to be displayed on my website. I am ever so humbled and honoured to have been given the opportunity to create this page. I am sure many will be touched by the spirit of this wonderful poem. Please take a moment and email Cecelia, she would welcome your thoughts and impressions of this inspiring poem 'Trail of Tears' The Legend of the Cherokee Rose began on the trail of tears that started in 1838. The Cherokee Mothers were grieving and crying so much, because they were unable to help their children and families survive the journey. The elders had begun to pray for a sign that would lift the mothers spirits and give them strength to make it through the rest of the trip. The next day a beautiful rose began to grow where each of the mothers tears had fallen. The Rose is white for the tears that were shed by the grieving mothers; The gold center represents the lands and gold taken from Cherokee people; The seven leaves that are on each stem represent the seven Cherokee clans. The Wild Cherokee Rose still grows along the route of the Trail of Tears and in Oklahoma. Cherokee Rose became the official flower of the State of Georgia. Art work used with the kind permission of ~ David Penfound ~ Please click on the picture below to visit David Penfound Gallery of Art. Please click on buttons below to view or sign Guest Book.