Here's a possible starting point for a poem about Wilma Mankiller:
A Cherokee Woman
In the heart of the mountains, where the wind whispers tales
Of ancestors' spirits, and echoes of ancient trails,
A woman rose, a Cherokee warrior, strong and bold,
Wilma Mankiller, her story, yet to be told.
From humble beginnings, to leadership's grand stage,
She fought for her people, turned a new page.
Against the odds, she challenged the norm,
A voice for the voiceless, weathering every storm.
With compassion and wisdom, she led her tribe with grace,
Empowering women, leaving an indelible trace.
A beacon of hope, shining bright in the night,
For her people's future, she fought with all her might.
Though her journey ended, her spirit will remain,
A testament to resilience, forever in our domain.
In every Cherokee heart, her legacy will reside,
Wilma Mankiller, a warrior, a leader, and a guide.
This is just a starting point. You can explore various themes in your poem, such as:
* Her childhood and upbringing in a Cherokee community.
* Her activism and fight for civil rights.
* Her role as the first female Chief of the Cherokee Nation.
* Her contributions to the community's economic and social development.
* Her legacy as a role model for Native American women and all who strive for equality.
Feel free to use this framework as inspiration to craft your own poem about Wilma Mankiller.
Remember, the most important aspect is to capture her essence and the impact she made on the world.