Ancient messages
carved into stone
What is their meaning?
The Paiute may know.
~
Warriors and shaman
celebrating the hunt,
family stories
symbolically unfold.
~
Listen carefully
to the wailing of the wind.
Mother Earth’s impassioned plea ~
“Stop destroying
my gifts, my beauty.
If you continue,
barren soon I will be.”
~
The skies open
as the rains begin.
Mother Earth chanting
her song of sorrow.
© LuAnn Oburn 2012
Chidago Canyon, roughly a 30-45 minute drive northeast of Bishop, CA is where you will find The Volcanic Tableland, a wide expanse of far-flung boulders and deep ravines formed 700,000 years ago, when clouds of ash and rock were spewed forth from volcanic activity in Long Valley.
A few petroglyphs can be seen at Fish Slough, but travel a little further down the road to see the larger panels of these ancient carved rocks at Chidago Canyon and Red Rocks Canyon.
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Lovely poem LuAnn, and interesting scribbles there.
Thanks Alastair. Are there petroglyphs anywhere near where you live?
Unfortunately not. Although there is something unique which I hope to photograph in the next few days – a 4,000 year old boat
I look forward to seeing that.
Fascinating topic and a lovely poem, it has a mournful quality, powerful and earthly quality to it. Also the ancient petrographs really are nothing compared to the eons old rock they are written on. Makes me feel quite small in a universal and timescale way.
Thanks Stefan. Whenever I am near petroglyphs, I feel as though I can almost hear the ancients whispering. It has such a sacred quality to me.
The Volcanic Tableland is lovely. I didn’t think there would still be snow on the mountain this time of year.
We have seen nicer petroglyphs than these but it was still quite interesting. We had a rainstorm a couple of nights ago and that is when the mountains around us got a few inches of snow. It makes for some lovely scenery around here.
I think Barb would have loved your poem, and the petroglyphs. I know I love every poem you are writing, pictures you are taking, friends you are meeting, and the joys you are sharing. Thank you.
Thanks Joan. Every time I am around Native American sites, such as these, I feel Barb’s presence. She was always in her element around the Native American cultures.
From another time…. Amazing. The view is awesome. Nature is so beautiful.
It certainly is Angelia.
LuAnn, do I detect a new found confidence in your poetry writing (justifiable)as it appears you are posting more? I enjoy the combination of poetry and photos….well done! Thanks for sharing. No poet here, thus I admire the talents of others
I can’t say that I am a poet either but I seem to be enjoying it. I never saw myself ever doing this. You just never know where life might take you!
Fish Slough is a natural spring fed pond where the dragonflies hover, wild watercress grows in the cold stream and the kingfisher dives for his dinner. Our family would go there to cool off, sometimes we would catch crayfish and have a boil for lunch.
Gale, the way you describe Fish Slough sounds delightful. We are loving this area around Bishop.
I read your reply about traveling to Lone Pine, LuAnn & Terry. Just for your info, on the road half way up to Whitney Portals, there is a neat little campground on the left. It is right in the middle of the area where the old movie westerns were filmed. Once again, travel carefully on 395. Oh by the way, when you travel through Independence, this is where Charles Manson and his group were first incarcerated in the county jail. Rog & Gayl
We will travel safely and the campground you may be referring to is Tuttle Creek. We may stay there or boondock in the Alabama Hills. I didn’t know about Independence and will share this trivia with Terry. You are just full of information. Thanks!
This is a lovely poem with much depth
Thanks Boomie!
I can read those petroglyphs LuAnn…No camping & don’t feed the bears
Have a great week. Ralph x
I’m certainly glad that someone was finally able to crack the code! Enjoy your week as well Ralph.
LOVELY…and great shots too!
Nina
Thanks Nina. I had a little coaching on the shots as I recall.
Beautiful! I hope to visit this area someday.
Add it to the ever-growing bucket list that we RVer’s seem to have!
Lovely poem with much depth with a lot of freshness , this is a great post
Thanks Stefan. That means a lot to me for you to say this.
Brilliant poem, superb photography.
Given your talent, you made my day. Thanks!
Smiling here, that’s all just smiling!
Me too!
As you should, my gifted friend!
Beautiful Poem. And to end with such beautiful pictures is just wonderful. great post Lu Ann.
Thank you so much Arindam. This is beautiful country we have been blessed to visit.
That was so lovely! And the landscape is so akin to Wadi Rum, ancient messages and all!
Glad you enjoyed it!
What a lovely and soulful poem, LuAnn. I wonder just how ancient those messages are. That canyon looks really awesome indeed.
yes, madre tierra surely sheds tears over what our ‘evolved’ species is doing to her. Petroglyphs have always been a strong interest of mine, and i loved seeing these. thanks, z
You are most welcome. Thanks for stopping by.