Antiquity

by Patricia Black Shumway

Published in Utah Heritage Remembered in 1996

by the two Blanding Stake Relief Societies

for the State Centennial

The Ancient cliff squatted heavily

in the burning sun

Gently cradling the rocky ruin 

in its thick tired arms.

Stiff canyon walls stand as sentinels

Guarding the steps of all who enter their domain.

Tumbled walls with smoke dimmed pictures

Soundlessly whisper an eloquent story

Recorded by an unnamed author.

Where are those who's

Quiet remains display

An unremembered glory?

Questioning eyes watch

As changing shadows once again people

the abandoned rooms.

Mute answers echo in melancholy stillness

Sounds of vanished loves unheard.

Emptiness seems a haven for time

Holding forever all that has happened

In the old ruin.