Poem, The Eviction of the Copahs

The Eviction of the Copahs

– the heading of an article in the June 14,
1903 edition of the New York Times.


“No more pathetic scenes
have been witnessed anywhere,”
the piece begins, describing

the eviction of the Copah band
“who, from time immemorial,
had dwelt on Warner’s Ranch,”

an Eden blessed with thermal
springs and advertised today
to be “a legendary resort.”

Their removal flowed
from the order of
our nation’s highest court

affirming swindles wrought
upon these guileless Indians
by scheming Mexicans, sly Yankees

and Holy Mother Church,
strong adherents all
to the icon Rule of Law.


–James M. Moose