A Desert Walk

Let me tell you a story of Nature and my early morning walks in the desert. The fragrance of cactus blossoms and the starkness of its beauty beckon. Or, is it the silence, like no other, interrupted only by the hum of bees and tiny species who materialize when you draw a handful of sand to your eyes, viewing them as equals. This is the playground of coyotes and jackrabbits, sure to practice social distancing, at least the jacks! Where desert rats dig shelters far beneath the earth, safe and cool--and even squirrels abide. It is shared by rattlesnakes seeking shade under tall mesquites, causing travelers to choose where their next step goes. In the near distance are the mountains, given birth by volcanos in centuries past. In early evening, the mountains don cloaks of violet as the glorious sunset turns desert plants ablaze in reds and golds--nature's gift to us. Turning indigo, the mountains stand like sentries in the night. Soon, thunder clouds gather and rain begins its journey to the thirsty mouths of plants and soil. Animals scurry for shelter, to appear when midget lakes take form and they can bathe and frolic. The scent of desert rain is a rare perfume. The desert isn't meant for those who need forests and lakes, or city dwellers lost among tall buildings, basking in its noise. No, they would not survive the loneliness, where one's thoughts are steadfast companions, and music the songs of coyotes. Early morning, when enjoying the walk, I sometimes surprise a fox, or find a nest of hummingbirds, so tiny, mouths open waiting for breakfast. I see nature in its truest light, unfiltered by the haze of progress. How lucky I am to call the desert my friend. NATURE THEME April 15, 2022 for Form N - Narrative New Poetry Contest by Constance La France A Second