Today I stumbled across the Tecumseh poem and have enjoyed learning more about this iconic leader.
Chief Tecumseh was a Native American Shawnee warrior, rising to power in the early 19th century.
He’s one of the most celebrated Native American leaders in history after envisioning the development of an independent Native American nation.
Along with his confederation, he fought the United States in Tecumseh’s War before siding with Great Britain.
He was known both for his daring and his strong oratory, which assisted his attempts to promote tribal unity.
Since his death in 1813, he’s become somewhat of a folk hero. Read more about him here.
This is the Tecumseh poem, popularised by the 2012 film, Act of Valor.
The Tecumseh Poem
“So live your life that the fear of death can never enter your heart.
Trouble no one about their religion; respect others in their view, and demand that they respect yours.Love your life, perfect your life, beautify all things in your life.
Seek to make your life long and its purpose in the service of your people.
Prepare a noble death song for the day when you go over the great divide.Always give a word or a sign of salute when meeting or passing a friend, even a stranger, when in a lonely place.
Show respect to all people and bow to none.When you arise in the morning, give thanks for the food and for the joy of living.
If you see no reason for giving thanks, the fault lies only in yourself.
Abuse no one and nothing, for abuse turns the wise ones to fools and robs the spirit of its vision.When it comes your time to die, be not like those whose hearts are filled with fear of death, so that when their time comes they weep and pray for a little more time to live their lives over again in a different way.
Sing your death song and die like a hero going home.”Chief Tecumseh, 1768 – 1813
