Her Ground

She stands her ground, a chief of her own tribe
a warrior in her own right
the hair like
a feathery spike
with tribal ornaments
on her warrior's blade
six strings of steel
to cut the air and carve
in subtle words a not so subtle painting.
She marks her claim and claims
with perfect marksmanship
the hearts and scalps of those
she ropes in on her trip.

She stands her ground
and taps her foot for water
in that most sacred place
while tribal colors subtly
adorn her warrior face.