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Courage at Ouray

for Alice

For nights I've been with you
in the cave at Ouray
Ich verneige mich
before you
on the cool rocks
I bow down
before Chief Ouray
calling on Great Mother
asking for a sign
in the sacred mineral waters
for an answer to his question
whether to surrender
to the white man's peace
and save the Dwellers in the Turquoise Sky
from slaughter,
or hide in the San Juan Range
forever at war with the inevitable.
Not just one decision,
but a peace that would be questioned
in every generation.