Old man Juniper Green
crusted roots among rock and shale;
surrounded with white desert sands
offers presence and council.
Old women Ponderosa Pine
weathered and blackened by the fires of living.
Sweet smelling resin arising between the old story lines
etched into her skin and memory.
Come and sit awhile. they say
We will tell you of the old ones;
help you remember your name
and where to put you feet next.
Kedar S. Brown, Vision Quest Ceremony in Capital Reef Utah May, 2017