Fernando Ortega

Chimayo

Fernando Ortega


I have seen the golden summer light 
Flicker in the trees, 
In the orchard where the long grass 
Sways in the breeze. 
In the shade across the fence 
An old man in a chair 
Dreams of the names and faces 
Who've been there. 

But lately I have seen you fading 
As the world is changing, 
As the seasons fly. 
Still my heart in secret 
Holds on to the deepest colors 
Of the earth and sky. 

In the graying of the year 
When leaves and sunlight fall, 
Make the shadows of the orchard 
Deep and tall. 
Then the winter comes and covers 
All that does not move 
Underneath the Sangre Cristo 
Stars and moon. 

But I will come and find you 
When the spring unbinds you 
Singing of an older time, 
Still my heart in secret 
Holding to the deepest colors 
Of the earth and sky.