The Old Warrior

My bite was of an angry wolf.
My teeth were white and strong.
My feathers were like river rocks,
Each one my right hand won.

my enemies fell on their knees
and cried in their defeat.
They broke their bows and tomahawks
And placed them at my feet.

Now I watch our brave young men
Riding off to war.
The maidens chant their farewell songs
Of long remembered lore.

My knees are stiff, my teeth are gone,
My eyes no longer keen.
No one seems to know my face,
So seldom is it seen.

Mighty, mighty great in was I was honored.
Now behold me ... old and wretched.