Epic of Tribes: Spirit's Path: Mangas Colorada

In the heart of the Southwest, where mesas rise,
Stood Red Sleeves, a chief both brave and wise.
A leader of the Chiricahua band,
He fought to protect his people's land.

"This earth is sacred," he declared with might,
"We shall defend it, both day and night.
The white man comes with words of peace,
But his promises end as the lies increase."

A warrior fierce, a strategist keen,
His presence loomed where the canyons lean.
With Cochise, his brother in arms,
They defended their lands from the settler's harms.

In the shadowed hills where the pines stood tall,
Came the miners’ greed, an ominous call.
They struck the earth with relentless hands,
Invading the sacred Apache lands.

Mangas Coloradas, with fury alight,
Rose with his warriors to defend the right.
"This land is ours, its soul not for sale,
We fight to protect it, though others assail."

At Pinos Altos, the battle was fierce,
Arrows flew swift, through hearts they pierced.
Miners’ rifles barked with flame,
But the Apache fought, fiercely, untamed.

Though blood was spilled and loss was keen,
The Apache’s defiance remained serene.
Mangas stood tall, his voice a cry,
"For our sacred land, we live or die."

At Apache Pass, with forces combined,
Red Sleeves and Cochise stood in strength aligned.
Yet the guns of the soldiers, with fire and lead,
Forced their retreat, though their spirits bled.

In the shadows of mountains, red and gold,
Rose Red Sleeves, proud and bold.
A leader revered, with wisdom vast,
A voice of the Apache, whose truths would last.

From the east came settlers with fire and steel,
Their promises hollow, their intentions concealed.
Red Sleeves sought peace, a treaty in hand,
Yet betrayal struck, defiling the land.

Bound by treachery, he was taken away,
To a soldier’s camp where shadows lay.
Tortured and mocked, his life was betrayed,
His blood on the earth, where his spirit stayed.

Though his body fell, his spirit did rise,
In the canyons where ancestors gave their lives.
His name endures in whispers and songs,
A symbol of justice against grievous wrongs.

Mangas Coloradas, like warriors before,
Forever etched in Apache lore.
Through trials endured and battles fought,
His legacy lives on in Apache hearts.