I stand at the portal and knock,

And tearfully, prayerfully wait.

O! who will unfasten the lock,

And open the beautiful gate?

Forever and ever and ever,

Must I linger and suffer alone?

Are there none that are able to sever,

The fetters that keep me from home?

My spirit is lonely and weary,

I long for the beautiful streets.

The world is so chilly and dreary,

And bleeding and torn are my feet.

           Tahlequah, Cherokee Nation.