I See the Green of the Desert

I see the green of the desert That overcomes the brown – Clinging to ground and water – And with gentle affection – It might reveal some color Like a yellow persuasion. I feel the fermenting sun Calling out the vultures That fly with a heart of one. I sense the black jaguar’s stare – Eyes that have a thirst for blood And those teeth – a gnashing lair. I smell blood in the wind When death captures its prey And in birth when life tries again. I hear the cicadas’ buzz Drowning in humidity As thunderheads growl above. I spy the purple mountains Blending in with their shadows – Not knowing where either begin. They tempt my spirit below To their crags and lonely peaks – To secret places I know.