"DESERT VESPERS"

The last golden rays of sunshine Filter o'er the desert brim, As mighty chimes of silence Call the prairie folk to Him; To kneel before the Padre, A saguaro, tall and slim, Who lifts his arms to a Mighty God While the night bird sings the hymn The altar is a mountain With cloths of hazy blue, On which star lit candles twinkle Through a net of early dew. And the chirping of many insects Gives the sound of Holy Bells, As the music, which is desert wind, From the canyon organ swells.

Soon the prayers are over And night, with her star lined veil, Gently follows the congregation. As it walks the desert trail Which leads to tiny, bushy homes Carefully hidden away, Where the prairie folk will lay them down To await the dawn-a new born day.