Chants echo through the valley floor of night

purple ribbons streak across sky's pink blush

the sun grapples for a final hold on the horizon

from atop a mesa my gaze is westward

sage clusters with mesquite and dust

chaparral cocks race from the coyote's howl

night's invaders, poised to strike any prey

the wind carries the spirit

of a lone quenacho's joyous, melancholy song

ancient's spirits swirl among the clouds

I, an intruder into this land

that was their haunt

seek to commune with them

will they welcome my gesture of peace

will they seek to vanquish me

a peace pipe, my ceremonial offering

though my hand and heart are outstretched

I puff alone the smoke rings of parley

is reciprocity not within their reach

or do they wish me ill

slowly I make my retreat to the valley

I meet with no offers for understanding

no outstretched hand of peace

and so, I can only offer them

my release from parley