ADAM BENFORADO
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Drums Along the Mohawk

Drums Along the Mohawk
in Technicolor the Indians will look browner,
           said
           John Ford,
           director of American History for the 20th Century.
Henry Fonda will wear a brown cap.
It is 1939 and people want hats and heroes,
           said
           John Ford of the 20th Century.
In the distance the drums will rumble,
the farm wife will run to the door, anxious.

The children will be angels,
           whispered
           John Ford.
Let them sleep while the Indians slip
up the river in mist.

Prairie houses shall burn with the biggest flames
and the Indians will be naked and savage,           
           he
           said.
It is only right to seek vengeance
upon those who have scalped woman and children,
           said
           American History.
Let Henry Fonda’s rifle stand erect,
           motioned
           John Ford.
That line in his brow is concern,
that crease by his mouth is anger.

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