“Pioneers,” Ensign, July 1979, 31
Pioneers
Hot in the heights of blazing blue that arched
From known to new above them there, the sun
Burned incandescent, glittered, shimmered, parched
Soft lips and tender flesh, and soaked homespun
With body juices, left skin hard on bone
As leather, supple still, but tough and strong.
Steps stitching prairie sod to mountain stone,
They knew refiner’s fire all day long:
Each day a trial of faith, each night a pause
To gather strength, find courage for the task
Of day-long dedication to the cause
That drew from them all anyone could ask.
Some died, but most grew leather-strong and tough,
Gave all they had to give, It was enough.