(August 6, 2024)
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The Navajo National Monument
Established to protect Canyon de Chelly
Is shared with those curiosity sent
To a marvelous place out of the way.
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Some Diné still live between tow’ring heights
And many ancestors remain at rest.
Cliff dwellings and pictographs cause awed flights
Of wonder at houses perched like a nest.
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The branching canyon gave people shelter.
The red rock and sand were building supplies
For farmers and potters not to swelter
Raising crops and flocks, living out their lives.
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Generation after generation
Have made the winding canyon sacred space.
Sunset’s majestic illumination
Touches eye and heart in this wond’rous place.