A Turquiose Necklace Made Of Gentle Rain Poem by bradley blue jay phipps

I have had the blessing of living in Southwest Colorado. Durango first, then west to Mancos and Dolores, which are about 25 miles from the 4 Corners Monument (The place where Colorado, New Mexico, Arizona and Utah come together) . Looking east from my home you would see the La Plata Mountains. The largest of these is Mount Hesperus or Dibe' Nitsaa (Big Sheep Mountain) . This is the sacred mountain of the north for the Navajo Nation. It is their traditional northern boundary.

To the south you would see Mesa Verde National Park, and to the southwest Sleeping Ute Mountain. I lived in close proximity to the Southern Ute, Ute Mountain Ute, Hopi, Apache and Navajo Reservations. The largest was the Navajo, and there are many places within the reservation where the World War II generation (mostly) still live in the traditional Navajo dwelling - a hogan. It is a one-room structure with the entrance facing the east for the morning sunrise. These were made of earth, logs or stone. They are also used for ceremonial purposes.

The Navajo have many traditions and ceremonies. This poem was inspired by a painting. I cannot remember the title or the artist, but it was of a hogan down in a valley between two mesas. Smoke drifting from the fireplace. The colors were burnt yellow and brown/black/blue. That does not do it justice. The hogan was far off in the distance, but still the main focal point for the artist. And of course turquoise.

Also, you will see that three of the verses have 7 lines, and the third verse has only six. When weaving a traditional Navajo blanket, the weaver will leave out a stitch. A flaw to some, but this is where the evil spirits leave the blanket. The third verse is intentional.

Yah-ha-Teh = Hello or friend (Dine') or the universe is good in you.