Sept. 26, 1999
RUBY MOUNTAINS
I am part of this range of waving grass,
Part of the evening breeze, the gentle rains that pass.
I am the horse or range cow that moves out there so free.
Deep down within, they seem a part of me.
I am the snows on the mountain that cause the stream to flow,
Spreading out on the valley, urging grass to grow.
The meadow in the valley, the leaves and branches of a tree,
They are more than a thing of beauty. They are a part of me.
I am the buttercups blooming in the springtime,
The call of the blue grouse on the hill.
The peace and quiet of a summer night
When all the world is still.
I am the sparkling stars on a winter night,
Or a crisp cold morning sun.
I am the gurgling protesting stream,
Beneath the winter ice shall run.
The coyote that howls in the evening or the hoot owl in the wood,
I sense them stir within my soul. Deep down it feels so good.
With this all a part of me, I can never be alone,
I am the richest man on earth, for all this I own.
When this body that you see is stilled,
Stand not by my grave and cry.
When a part of all these things,
I will be renewed and shall never die.
But come our in the fresh spring grass,
See the songbirds up in the tree,
Just relax, spend some time.
It is there I shall forever be.