Yellowhair and Tashunka Witco

Yellowhair and Tashunka Witco

He led the 7th Cavalry across the Northern Plains
Wanting nothing more than to steal the Native's domains
To restore his tarnished reputation as America's golden child
Determined for political greatness in a land so young and wild
He needed a stunning victory against the redmen he so despised
Yet the resolve of the Sioux was something he never realized
A few minor skirmishes was all the 7th had yet to muster
Following Yellowhair into battle, this General known as Custer

It was on that fateful day in June, in 1876
When Custer thought he'd teach old Sitting Bull some tricks
The soldiers started out at noon, as the band played "Garry Owen"
He shouted out "Be brave!! I've no use for cowards where I'm goin!'"
He split the 7th into fourths and hastily planned his attack
Calling to Major Reno "Don't worry Hoss, I've got your back!"
Some troops were dispatched with Reno; others followed Captain Benteen
Some stayed with the wagons; those with Custer were never again seen

Reno's men advanced quickly, catching the Sioux village by surprise
But the Major was not prepared for the awesome sight before his eyes
For this was no village but a city of ten thousand, maybe more
No white man had ever seen an Indian camp this big before
The Major became uncertain, not knowing which action he should take
He called for charge and then fall back, as his left flank began to break
The fighting became intense, bullets screamed, knives flashed and arrows flew
But the Bluecoats where outnumbered and retreat was what the bugler blew

"Hoka Hey Lakota!! It's a good day to fight or die!!!"
These simple words of prophecy became his battle cry
"Strong hearts to the front, weak hearts to the back"
He bravely led his warriors to counter Reno's attack
The soldiers quickly retreated praying for Custer's relief
But gazing down the hill they soon shuddered in disbelief
For the warriors coming at them was such a tremendous force
Led by Tashunka Witco, otherwise known as Crazy Horse

With Reno's men in shambles, retreating frantically up the hill
Crazy Horse turned his attention on a more important foe to kill
He turned his horse toward the north, war lance waving in the air
For coming up the valley, unsuspecting, was that devil, Yellowhair!
Hated by all Lakota, Custer's reputation was widely known
They vowed he would pay for the lack of respect he had shown
Determined to defend their families and their hunting grounds
The Lakota warriors swarmed Custer like a pack of rabid hounds

Custer's entire battalion was cut down: not one man was left alive
Comanche, Captain Keough's horse, was the lone witness to survive
Finally supported by Benteen, Reno's men made a desperate stand
Holding off the incensed warriors under Crazy Horse's command
This furious battle continued on for most of the following day
While under the hot summer sun, the lifeless body of Custer lay
The boy wonder, Civil War hero, fearless leader of the White
Had met his match in Crazy Horse and fought his last fight

Fifteen long, hard months after the infamous battle had been fought
Crazy Horse surrendered and to Fort Robinson he was brought
Bayoneted from behind as he was escorted towards the jail
The end of his life symbolically marked the end of the Sioux trail
The Battle of the Little Bighorn became known as Custer's Last Stand
But in history it should not be remembered as anything quite so grand
What must be remembered is the great injustice done unto the Sioux
For it was they that truly suffered when the wars were finally through