Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, THE RED-MAN'S ALTAR, by INA SIZER CASSIDY


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Classic and Contemporary Poetry

THE RED-MAN'S ALTAR, by                    
First Line: Son of nature, copper-skinned and stalwart
Last Line: Distill incense for your devotions.
Subject(s): Native Americans; Nature; Spiritual Life; Indians Of America; American Indians; Indians Of South America


Son of Nature, copper-skinned and stalwart,
environed by cactus-covered hills,
your altar is no costly thing of wood and shining brass,
starred by burning candles.

Your altar is a rock,
rain-stained, frost-mottled, ages old,
resting on an arid hillside.
Wild shrub and desert flowers
are your costly broideries;
tall-stemmed yuccas reaching skyward
are your candles;
while bee-balm, aconite and juniper
distill incense for your devotions.





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