SHIPROCK

A rock in New Mexico

Grim dark

Stern stark

Bold crest

Brave breast

Once flew

Now to

Earth clings

Stone wings.

Author's Note

Legend has it that a Navajo tribe was once in danger when the ground beneath them lifted up and became a bird, flying them to their present place in New Mexico. It then turned into a rock, which is sacred to the Indians. Though climbing Shiprock is forbidden, there are those who ignore the laws and go up anyway. This angers the old gods, who curse the climbers, and eventually they pay for their trespass.

Reviews

[Tom McRoberts]

I love the two word lines (beating of wings perhaps), they have a lot of authority in them. I'd never heard of the rock before, nor the legend associated with it, so I appreciate the time you put into the author's notes.

[Marie]

Thanks. These two-word line poems are fun to do, and a challenge as well. I knew something about Shiprock before I wrote it, since I used to live in New Mexico.

[Elan Vital 23]

I know this is going to seem kind of cavalier but to me the ancient curses seem to stymy and stultify. I mean, on the root clod, I lived here. When I consider that I'm on this planet It seems almost unfair that there are places I can't go. It messes with my humanitarian instincts for of I indeed experience these things on the hue even when I haven't been there. It seems an anachronism somehow though i must admit honestly there are many things I don't have a right too. I don't know whether you can appreciate this thought on the paradoxicals but sometimes it just seem oxymoronic on the spiritual purities. Then again I guess the human race isn't exactly spiritually pure. Indeed we have been forced to legislate against many of our obtuse obtrusivenesses.

[Marie]

Indeed, it does seem unfair that there are places on this planet we cannot go; however it's a bad idea to anger the Old Gods...

[Elan Vital 23]

Yes, experience would seem to corroborate that, still it aggravates my agnostic dedication to demagoguery. We need to live together or at least of in too each other.

[jacob erin-cilberto]

i wouldn't mess with those native american customs or lore...like in the old days riding horseback through an Indian gravesite...those curses are not to be played with.

[Marie]

They certainly are not; I'm glad you understand.

[Woody]

wonderful two-word lines!!
never heard of Shiprock. good to know. I've always wondered if there was a basis in legends.

[Marie]

Not a lot of people have heard of Shiprock even in this country. TKittle must be familiar with New Mexico. I'm sure there is a asis for the legend.

[Misery]

A marvelous tribute to the rock, dear poet. Nicely done.

[Marie]

Thank you. I have seen Shiprock, but only from a distance; would hardly dare to go up close.

[Misery]

I have also driven along that highway and admired the rock from afar; it is imposing.