RIVER TRACKS

WATER MOUNTAIN CAMP

As a child, I grew up with the Mandan world,

believing I could cover my tracks

on a horse moving through water.

Here I am in a Jeep on the Chinle River

with a Navajo guide, Mr. Ben Teller--

me, a North Dakota boy. And now,

descended, as one enters a Kiva

to ascend, I have spent this day,

into dusk, on Mesa Verde, alone

with my partner/wife of 50 years.

We are in camp. And while I love

tortillas, however they arrive

at my plate, from this day,

I will eat only corn.

Jim Bodeen

7 April 2019