The smoke-vent now and then reveals a star

As in a well. The ancient squaw, a-stoop,

Her face light-stricken, stirs a pot of soup

That simmers with a pleasant smell and sound.

A gnarled old man, cross-legged upon the ground,

Sits brooding near. He feeds the flame with sticks;

It brightens. Lo, a leaden crucifix

Upon the wall! These heathen eyes, though dim,

Have seen the white man’s God and cling to Him,

Lest on the sunset trail slow feet should err.