Check out the links that may help with background information and symbolism/allusions in the poem.
http://www.firstpeople.us/FP-Html-Legends/ThePeacemakerAndTheTreeOfPeace-Iroquois.html
http://www.histori.ca/peace/page.do?pageID=343
http://www.ammsa.com/classroom/CLASS3appropriation.html
prose poetry info
