Excerpt
The Great Mound

I sleep nestled within the forest,
an earthwork created by a tribe
of ancients encircled by my brethren.
I hold the treasures of the mystic past
deep in my soil beneath Father Sky.

For centuries the cool rains
of Spring have nurtured
my mantle of emerald grass
while I watched the deer shelter
beneath my surrounding pines.

In the early shadows of dawn,
I still hear the lingering echoes
of my creator’s drums
murmur on the wind
entwined with the bird’s song.

I was born from Mother Earth
to reflect the evening sky
in union with my brothers.
I am a gateway to the forgotten
knowledge of my ancient’s heritage.

- Mary A. Couch