Closer Than It May Appear
Photo by Vicki Heschke Crossing the prairies o’er old swirling seas Cloudy and gray with fresh fallen snow. Nested in green, in a wreath of pine trees, A wondrous tower rises; its truth to know. The seas long ago did slowly abate Leaving flat land of grass and of rock. Here Lakota camp where they migrate As young girls sing to a swirling hawk. Early rays of the warm spring sun Bears do wake, each groggy in dens. Distant sounds of girls having fun Hunger surging, bears signal their friends. The laughter rises; the bears start to chase Turning to shrieks as the beasts come near. A big rock ahead, tho’ now it’s a race Closing the gap, turning laughter to fear. Clamber the rock; its safety girls seek A circle is formed, clasped hands very tight. Pray they must; the Great Spirit does speak The ground starts to shake as day turns to night Angry and clawing, bears growl and grumble The rock, as it rises, now heard a fierce groan! Yet climb as they might, down do they tumble Leaving claw...