Cheyenne Frontier Days, Old West Museum
If there were any earthbound spirits
occupying this museum, I couldn't
see them. But I felt that my husband
and I were not alone among the artifacts
and photos. There were fingerprints
to be discovered. Scenes to be reawakened.
Haughty carriages from the 1800s
preened their wares: large spoked wheels,
leather seats, and sturdy black canopies.
While chuck wagons competed with sheep
wagons for our attention. I could
almost smell the thick bacon cooking,
imagine the pioneers sweeping dust
and twigs out the back door. A lady's
long skirt and white linen shirt
caught my eye. Her arm bent under the arm
of a gentleman's coat. Were they still here?
Taking their Sunday strolls through Cheyenne?
Surprisingly, there were very little
native American artifacts. On display
was a native woman's hand-beaded leather
dress. Each turqoise bead delicately
threaded with seasoned hands tough as
buffalo skin yet fragile as wildflowers.
Pieces of Cheyenne's history dwelled here,
among the living. Glimpses of the old west.
A frontier town that sprouted from the sweat
and blood of ordinary people. As we departed,
my ears perked to hear voices from the past.
And I did hear them, quite clearly.
SANDY SUE BENITEZ’s talent for writing poetry was noticed in high school by her English teacher who encouraged her to keep writing. She has written a book of poetry, Ever Violet, (D-N Publishing, 2007) and one poetry chapbook, Beneath a Black Pearl Sky (Flutter Press, 2009). She is also the Founder & Editor of Flutter Poetry Journal and Flutter Press. Sandy's poetry has appeared in over 100 print and online poetry journals. She currently resides in Wyoming with her husband, 2 children, and 2 chocolate labs.
