The Little Navajo Herder

by Ann Nolan Clark

GOODBYE

Land

around my mother's hogan

and sheep trail

and arroyo

and waterhole,

sleep in the sun

this summer.

Rest well

for my sheep

will not be here

to deepen the trail and arroyo

with their little sharp feet.

They will not be here

to eat the short grass,

to drink the stored water.

Sleep,

rest well,

and be ready for our return.