Pioneers

Hot in the heights of blazing blue that arched

From known to new above them there, the sun

Burned incandescent, glittered, shimmered, parched

Soft lips and tender flesh, and soaked homespun

With body juices, left skin hard on bone

As leather, supple still, but tough and strong.

Steps stitching prairie sod to mountain stone,

They knew refiner’s fire all day long:

Each day a trial of faith, each night a pause

To gather strength, find courage for the task

Of day-long dedication to the cause

That drew from them all anyone could ask.

Some died, but most grew leather-strong and tough,

Gave all they had to give, It was enough.