Mary Jemison
Her statue stands
over the lands
she grew to love
beyond and above
the first few years
of living with fears
in a New York forest
dense with pine, only the best
used for longhouses in which they could rest.
At first she longed to escape, in hours so late
but then, eventually, accepted her fate.
An Indian Captive no more,
But one of the Seneca who lived on the shore
Of the great canyon cut by the Genesee,
Letchworth, now a park for you and me.

For some reason the book, Indian Captive (1941) by Lois Lenski, has resurfaced in my life. I read it years ago, on a recommendation from my mom – who taught third grade. It is the story of Mary Jemison, also known as White Woman of the Genesee who was captured by Seneca Indians and then adopted by them. Her story is one of resilience and adaptability. It is a small, yet thoroughly captivating, piece of historical fiction for students aged 8-12. It has a Lexile rating of 800.
Mary Jemison was a real person that lived a long life, some of it in fear and some of it being revered and loved by those of a culture who adopted her. When given a choice to stay with the Seneca nation or leave, she chose to stay. A recounting of her life can be found on this NPR article out of Buffalo, New York – near Letchworth State Park where Jemison or Dehgewanus, her Seneca name, lived.

Last week, I presented a book spine poem that used the Indian Captive book from my home library. And, then yesterday, wandering the shelves at our local library with my writer’s circle students, I again came across this title and made another book spine poem using it. I would highly recommend this book, as a read aloud or to add to your classroom library.

Today is Poetry Friday. Our host is Margaret at Reflections on the Teche. Thank you for hosting, Margaret!
Such an interesting woman who should be celebrated and remembered as you have done so well in your poem.
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Thank you, Margaret! I appreciate your comments. Thanks again for hosting, too!
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You’ve crafted a clever poem about this interesting story. Now I have so many questions!
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Thank you! The book is a great read, even for adults… it might answer your questions or the NPR article does a great job depicting Jemison’s life as well. I appreciate your comments.
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Your spine poem is such a great companion to your longer poem!
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Thank you so much! It does fit together well!
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I did not know about this woman and am fascinated by her story. Letchworth State Park is one place that I wish I saw while living in NYS. It is as beautiful in your picture as I thought it would be. Thanks for the poems and the photos.
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Thanks for stopping by Carol and for your comments. Despite growing up in Western NY, I don’t have many memories of Letchworth and was not aware of Mary Jemison’s story until I was an adult and lived in WI. Life is funny sometimes, isn’t it?!
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I’m Indian
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