We wake so rarely together, and when we do
the leaves have already left horses for trees.
We didn’t realize when
moving to the canyon, we’d
given up sunsets for good. Gold and
red for cottonwoods and clay.
Here, woodpeckers grouse in the piñon boughs
and your sun-brown hands gather the brownest shells.
We root about like curve-billed thrashers,
silent beneath our chosen trees, try not to speak
of the current news. Pitch-laden
needles pressed to sore knees and palms.
A flicker lands on a branch above,
and we look up but beyond, to
the other side of canyon where
leaf-bare horses sleek and resplendent
gallop through ochred grass.
And when your cupped hand pours
piñons into mine, the edge of your palm
angled to my own, there is relief in knowing.
I take it all down—documented.
Comments
Full of detail that takes me back to the Southwest.
Yes, tell the story!
Please Note: Before submitting, copy your comment to your clipboard, be sure every required field is filled out, and only then submit.