In Search of Solemint
A canyon junction west of Soledad
and south of Mint (named for purple sage) –
this scoured maze of Canyon Country
where I rode bareback
down arroyos, leaving hoofprints in sand.
Today, I’ll stop at the general store –
does it still sell bubble gum and dry goods?
Recollection is so fuzzy in 9th grade.
Who cares for canyons
on the late-bus under stars?
Today, my map shows no way
to get there. Everything’s re-engineered,
highway widened for commuters;
interchanges. Do canyons still exist
under terraced multi-something homes
and quick stops? Where is Solemint?
Next off-ramp, I’ll drive
to the end of the road. Walk
till I find sand unbulldozed, eroding
like time.
I’ll listen for birds in the arroyo,
a promise of water. I’ll climb higher
and look for purple sage. Sniff
deeply. I’ll feel cold wind off the passes.
Can I still taste Solemint?
Copyright © Taylor Graham | Year Posted 2009
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