tower above Mesozoic sandstone
vermillion waves wash
across an ancient sea,
spherical ripples blown
by Mojave winds against
sun-baked cliffs where
wisdom of the Ancient Ones
carved through desert varnish
tells the story of hunters,
the big horn and antelope
life sacrified
for collective survival.
Shamans chant around
sacred hoop sculpted
from gathered stones
cleansed by sage,
warmed by juniper,
a spiral sun carved
into the petroglyph tableau
shines down on cholla,
prickly pear and maize
life sustained
for the Anasazi.
~text & photo by leh
