The Quest
Danger lurking everywhere, behind each boulder, gulch and hill;
the likelihood of trouble poised in tense, crouching forms,
Indian or animal, murderer or thief, marauders of the badlands,
joined with weather threats: sand, hail, fire and thunderstorm.
Two partners in search of better fortunes, leaving all behind,
wives, children, homes, friends and families set aside;
stretching out before them, farther than the eye could see,
the badlands to be conquered without benefit of guide.
Will they make the desperate crossing, reach their quest across the way
or will some later traveler find displayed their bleaching bones?
Thousands made the journey, many died upon the road,
and the adventures that they lived remain unknown.
The badlands conquered many before man conquered them,
a country built of dreams, some lost, some realized;
upon the backs of men like these, we stand up, proud and strong--
their utmost dream complete and actualized.
Copyright, September 28, 2014
Faye Lanham Gibson
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