The Third in My National Park Series,
In Anticipation of the New Documentary,
‘The National Parks: America’s Best Idea’
“We Will Be Known Forever,
By The Tracks We Leave Behind.”
A Native American Proverb
My wife and I were heading up the steep trail
To a destination, I had wanted to visit, for awhile
The aura in this ancient place, was truly mesmerizing
Two old lizards crossed our path, which made me smile
Suddenly, here we were at the cliffside
A rickety old wooden ladder led the way
Soon, we were whisked backward in time
Neither of us will forget that incredible day
Here were 40 separate rooms, in five ancient caves
Believed to have been occupied by fifteen families
We had entered the home of the ancient Mogollons
Who had resided here from 1275 to about 1300 A.D.
These huge cliff dwellings were the perfect place to live
Providing them both shelter and defense from enemies
We could still see the blackened ceilings from their fires
We gazed upon their mystifying cave drawings with glee
Like the ancient Egyptians, they had mummified their dead
Their intriguing homes were first discovered, back in 1878
No one knows where these Mogollons went, when they left
And their mysterious disappearance, still initiates much debate
As we headed back down the trail, I paused to look back
And I swear I heard flute music, emanating from the cave
Those two old lizards were now perched on that old ladder
Was it my imagination, or did those two crafty critters wave?
These ancient and mystifying Mogollon cliff dwellings lie deep within the forests and mountains of southern New Mexico, and they are surrounded by the magnificent Gila Wilderness – one of my favorite, still unblemished, areas in the Southwest.
There are miles and miles of trails here that visitors can take to explore the wondrous forested hills and deep dark canyons that are truly a part of these ancient historic ruins.
I have always loved taking journeys,
Especially those taking me back in time.
©2009, Mr. Ed
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I enjoyed this very much Ed, thanks for taking us along with you
The Buzzard
Be always safe,
Karen
JOYCE * HIS INSPIRATIONS
(((HUGS))) and love, karla.
Have a beautiful day, Mr. Ed!
Peace, love, and light,
Amber "V"
(((HUGS))) and much love, your friend in Tx., Karen Lynn. :)
Georg