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WITH VALIANT SOVEREIGNTY Remelda Nielson Gibson Tooele, Utah Professional Division First Place Poetry In Sanpete County's origin the desert took command Until the ardent pioneers began to till the land (In unity of band) With strengthened character and zeal, the men were labor-bound To trudge behind their oxen teams to clear the sage-brushed ground (without discordant sound) The crudely harnessed teams were hitched to cross-barred single-trees For pulling heavy harrows through the homestead properties (for produce to appease) "All work--no play" was vaporized with fun fests and good-will, By dancing the Virginia reel, the schottishe and guadrilie (or waltzing with rare skill) With valiant sovereignty, respect was genuine Among the proud recipients of joint self-discipline (In blood and nearest kin) When hostile Indians prepared to pillage and maraud, Brave Minutemen were pledged to guard, defend, deter or prod. (With faith and trust in God) Adobes, cobblestones and logs supplied an urgent need In building churches, homes and schools for those of steadfast-deed. (to prosper and succeed) In monumental magnitude the Manti Temple's height Which took eleven years to reach was built with strong oolite (with never-daunted might) -37- |