SECOND PLACE: UNDER 12 DIVISION
GARTH’S AUCTIONS
“Biography of an Object” Writing Contest
Nothing as Beautiful….
By Caitlin C. of Tulsa, Oklahoma
I look up. Miles of dusty road lie ahead. No one has ever gone as far west as my chief
asked me now. I want to hide where my papoose and I spend time together, but my
responsibility is to the tribe. The Great Spirit wants me to go, so I must. I glance back at my
village when my papoose appears and says “Father, I love you and will miss you. I will do
leave now.” He laughed and answered “You go badlands without horse or musket? Here.” He
handed me his prized horse, and a musket. I sigh knowing this trip will be long.
The trail blends together after a time. At dusk I hear coyotes howling and my horse is
slowing. The musket is my only protection, other than the Great Spirit. I find a good resting
place. I have slept only a short time when I am startled awake by the pounding of hooves. My
horse is upset, but is tied to the tree so she cannot run. A stampede of buffalo is heading
towards the mesa. If I killed a buffalo, I could replenish my supplies. Instead, I search for fruit,
nuts and maize, but discover edible berries. I find a grassy, shaded area to devour my
breakfast. I cannot see the village anymore. The stampede is gone, so I must move.
Day blends into night. I feel hot and dizzy, although night turns cool. I realize I’m sick
and need medicine. The legendary campfire story told of a shaman located east of the
badlands. I turn my horse east hoping the stories were true.
After traveling a vast distance, I haven’t seen anything but dirt and brush. I’ve grown
weak and my eyes trick me, but scanning the horizon I see…a teepee. Inside, the shaman told
me to rest while he brews a cure. After dreams of never‐ending trails, stampeding buffalo and
lack of water, I awaken. The shaman told how the Great Spirit guided me to his teepee. He
gave me supplies. I asked, “How do I repay you?” He answered, “Stories of shaman to your
village.” I nodded and left. It started to rain as I traveled. Shaman’s fur kept me dry.
Finally I arrived. At the mesa’s edge, I could view the beautiful valley. Water blended
into sky as puffy clouds floated by. This is an ideal location for our tribe. I take the long journeyhome. After travelling weeks, I’m ready to be home. The sun beats down as I dream of new
tribal land. I faintly hear the sound of hooves against the warm desert sand. Then I see
them…a few men on horseback galloping across the desert towards me. My tribe sent a search
party and my child is with them. There is nothing as beautiful as my papoose. I urge my horse
towards them at a gallop.
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