Poem By Judi Armbruster
Poet from Karuk Tribe of California
Published Thursday, March 2, 2000

Copyright 2000 armbruster@sisqtel.net
All Rights Reserved

I live deep within Steep canyons, That cradle sparkling creeks, Where trees and bushes Garment the hillsides In a million shades of green. When I walk the ridge Early in the day I keep company With squirrel, fox and deer. Osprey call down the canyon As the morning sun Turns the treetops silver. I stand high above Elk Creek A song teases itself Into my awareness. I wait. Far down the canyon It begins. A sound like rushing water. From miles away, It begins to build. It starts at the mouth Of Elk Creek, Where it joins the Klamath River. The sound holds me. Far in the distance The trees begin to dance. Wind! That's the sound, The song I hear. Here it comes Up the canyon. Sweeping along, Swaying the trees, Sight and sound merging. Crescendo. A Forest Orchestra Plays just for me. Loud the song of wind and trees Swirling around and through me, Coming up the canyon. I am in awe. For long moments I am the chorale, And then it's past Moving up the Canyon, Fading into the distance. Diminuendo. I stand alone Humbled by the gift Of these precious moments; To be awake and aware, To catch The Canyon's Song.