Living In Gallup, New Mexico Poem by Kathryn Tyler King

The beauty that surrounds this small town

has brought artisans of various cultures.

Red rock cliffs, juniper and cactus abound

Blue skies, a fair climate increase tours.


It has been said that this city still slumbers.

That time has stood still with no progress.

For the restaurants and motels outnumber

the families that every year grows less.


It has been said that there are many drunks

asleep in alleys and the banks of Rio Puerco.

I’ve known of the street gangs and punks

writing graffiti on the walls as they go.


For all the problems that exist in Gallup

don’t outweigh its popularity and pace.

Bike trails, the scenery, balloons rising up

brings a sense of calm and a certain grace.


Many people leave for the big, bright cities

but come back yearning for just a taste

of clean air, slow pace and their families

and those memories that can’t be erased.