William H. Simpson

From “In Hopi-land and Other Lands”

O PEOPLE of the peaceful places,

I have known you of old!

Yet your wise men say nothing,

Nor the tinted sands—

The shifting, singing sands.

These alone are the Knowing Ones:

The shadows of yonder clouds,

And the far-journeying winds—

Winds that cover yesterday’s pathway.

They are the gray wings of your rains,

They are the messengers of your praying.