Kansas in HaikuWindmill standing high,Its greaseless bearings squeaking As the wind changes. Prairie grasses wave Before the summer wind Where once the bison grazed. Once the redmen walked. Dogs and squaws dragged tired travois And trailed the bison. Bold Spanish soldiers Seeking gold then wandered here 'Mid awesome bleakness. Here, in Shakespeare's time They sought their El Dorado 'Til arrows found them. Spanish horses ran-- The mustang race created; And the savage rode! His glory ended As the European hordes teemed Out across his land. Longhorns replaced bison; Then fat English cattle came And the land was tame. Ancient sod was tilled. Wheat and corn replaced the grass 'Til fierce dust storms blew. Relic windmills stood Above the pillaged prairie And the winds blew on. Once more the grasses grew, Springing back to reclaim Torn and tortured soil Windmill standing high, Its greaseless bearings squeaking As the wind changes. |
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