Tales of the Prairie

11/9/24 - Somewhere in South Dakota

It’s at sunset when the dust settles.

And our shadows grow long.

Our breaths draw a little deeper

As we listen to the wind’s song.

When the tales of the day come to an end.

But also when those same tales come back to life again.

It’s at tailgate’s edge under a glowing sky.

When the tales of feathers turn to tales of “why”.

Why we walk miles into nothing for treasures untold.

Why we follow our 4-legged friends waiting for coveys to unfold.

Why the vast landscape holds our gaze.

Why distant coveys aflush keep our fire ablaze.

The tales are long as feathers are many

But everyday closes with the same tune on the penny.

A nudge of a cold nose.

A whimper of longing.

Eyes scanning the horizon. 

With the promise of what tomorrow will bring.

-Marie Madaras