Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, NAVAJO LOVE SONG, by WILLIAM A. PHELON



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Classic and Contemporary Poetry

NAVAJO LOVE SONG, by                    
First Line: We are riding out in the morning
Last Line: Na-na-litch, na-litch, nandeen!
Subject(s): Horseback Riding; Love; Native Americans; Navajo Indians; Indians Of America; American Indians; Indians Of South America


WE ARE riding out in the morning,
And my love rides far ahead—
Rides where the rising sunshine
Tints the canyon wall with red—
As I urge my pony after,
She cries with impish glee,
"On, and ride fast, my warrior—
If you hope to capture me!"

Nahleen nahleen, nahleen—
Kah-na-no, kannaz, tangeen—
Sanna-san, sah-lee, saskeen—
Na-na-litch, na-litch, nandeen!

Where the sheep-flocks graze in thousands,
And the Chieftain's horses run,
Is the duty of the riders,
From the dawn to setting sun—
But what think I of duty,
When that bright and laughing face
Calls from the glowing mesa!
"Have you given up the chase?"

Nahleen, nahleen, nahleen—
Kah-na-no, kannaz, tangeen—
Sanna-san, sah-lee, saskeen—
Na-na-litch, na-litch, nandeen!

I am called before the Chieftain,
And the Chieftain's face is grim,
As he speaks the words of censure,
While the evening's light grows dim.
"You have left the herds unguarded,
At the mercy of a foe—
And—daughter, cease thy nudging—
I was young, too, long ago!"

Nahleen, nahleen, nahleen—
Kah-na-no, kannaz, tangeen—
Sanna-san, sah-lee, saskeen—
Na-na-litch, na-litch, nandeen!





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