In Defiance Of The Llano

My waypoint is a forsaken homestead near the northern precipice of the Llano Estacado Escarpment. Hewed wood and metal roof continue to bear the brunt of the harsh high plains environment. Abandoned hopes and dreams of working the land and ranching endure, albeit in symbolic defiance. A weathered shed close to collapse leans gingerly against an old American stalwart, a GMC truck.

Vehicles tend to reflect the persona of their owners. The resolute appearance of this ranch workhorse is worth a thousand words. I take a few moments to reflect and imagine the day its cylinders stopped firing. Who parked it? What was its last load?

An important part of Americana fades. Who will keep the flame of intrepid pioneers, their  spirit of rugged self-reliance and love of the land burning in the hearts of a new generation?

© Ilija Lukić 2011

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