Indian Legends and Other Poems

"Indian Legends and Other Poems" by Mary Gardiner Horsford is a compilation of poetry from the 1800s that focuses on American Indian culture and their historical experiences. The poems tell stories found in Native American legends, seeking to show the reader the lives, values, and tribulations of various American Indian tribes. Also included are poems that think upon ideas of love, sadness, and the natural world. Using detailed descriptions and feelings, Horsford shares tales like "The Phantom Bride", which is a tragic love story during a war, and "The Laughing Water", which is about an Indian mother facing her destiny bravely. The poems repeatedly show the relationship between the natural world and faith, exposing the deep connection between American Indians and their environments, while also touching on stories of their past and their views on life and death. These poems contain a melodic quality meant to stay with the reader.