The Palo Duro Canyon Poem by Lysius Gough

God with his infinite power, millions of years ago
In some important hour carved the Palo Duro.
He leveled the plains around it and capped it with a rim of stone…
Most any child can bound it, creation, that's God's own.

In the center he placed great rocks, and springs on the mountainside…
Then flowers and ferns and flox, and stately shading trees abide…
He placed meandering streamlets, flowing from side to side…
And many side canyons and inlets, controlling torrents and tide.

Vandals may attempt to destroy God's marvelous works, divine…
But oh, let future peoples enjoy, Palo Duro's wondrous design…
Was there ever before such beauty, such blending of tints and hue?
To preserve it now is man's duty…
May he to this trust be true.