Burnt Cabin Summit
Flattened earth in the rolling sagebrush sea of the Great Basin inspires mysteries of its origin and purpose.
Where the earth flattens In a neat little square A cabin once stood, no trace But a few bits of rust Mysteries of what they were A mule shoe? A tin can? All else lost in fire. Where the earth slopes Wild onions pierce the sand Remnants amid sage That undulates in waves Toward the far range Purple mauve Rosy alpenglow Depending on the light Filters through dust Kicked up by mustangs Antelope and deer. Where the roads cross Leading to Austin Middlegate Gabbs A cabin once stood For what purpose? Stage stop? Pioneer farm? Hunter's shack? Ghostly whispers tell No tales upon the wind. It's more intriguing To wonder.