Laced with heartache

You find shelter

Beneath the feet of giants

Still and silent

Though they are

You stay beneath them

For protection best you can

How many years ago

Did your waters shine from smiles

Instead of gleam with tears?

How many moons ago

Did your shores

Kiss the feet of Joseph?

And the ones who loved you?

How many snows ago

Did the white man take hold

Of all you called your own?

When

Did the last tear fall

From that sun-weathered face?

When

Did his spirit

Leave for safety’s sake?

When

Did your people

Let you go?

Was it the tears

From their faces

Or from your own

That made you grow?

These mountains

Saw you all weep

At their silent

Unmoving feet