The Song of the Mesas

Mighty sentinels North and South
we’ve stood our ground for eons of years
long before you humans appeared.
We’ve seen mastodon, tiger, horse and sloth,
before moccasins, boots and human cloth.

Embracing sentinels North and South
we've welcomed men with shovel and pan,
burros and horses that pulled and pranced.
Beckoned west they passed our rugged mounds
to their destines in forgotten tent towns.

Observant sentinels North and South
we watched as men sliced rushing waters
with pick and shovel and earthen borders.
They carved long, curving clear creek veins
that stretched across the prairied plains.

Strong and mighty sentinels North and South
we withstood the powerful northern winter storms
and drank in heavy spring and summer pours.
Yes, we've felt the sharpened spears of hail and sleet
that rolled and pounded our mesas peaks.

As craggy sentinels North and South,
barren, windswept mesas are our paradox
for home and safety we give to coyote and fox.
And in our bosoms we hatch both snake and bird
to give balance to nature on our mesas firm.

Colorful, distinctive sentinels North and South
we've delighted hearts, minds and youthful eyes
with silver light across our crests in full moon rises.
And have you not watched the games of hide and seek
played by jumping shadows around our variegated peaks?

As mighty sentinels North and South
please leave our beauty for those unborn to find
as their own sanctuary of peace for future humankind.
And also for bird and beast a habitual place,
just let us be your sentinels of open space.

                Anonymous
                1998

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