Mystique of the Mojave

A white wash of striated clouds stretch expansively across the arid desert sky where Joshua trees commune lifting up crooked cactus-like arms towards the searing sun. Massive layers of brown boulders jut, forming endless sculptures hidden places where the ancients made their penitence with words swept away by unforgiving winds. Shadows shift under the arc of the sun where nervous roadrunners dart startled lizards seek shade great hawks circle with outstretched wings and tortoises amble as the hours crawl by. Two lane highways trail into the horizon toward snow capped mountain peaks lined by nameless telephone poles and tumbleweeds that roll aimlessly across storefronts and sleepy rundown towns in disrepair. Yet the mystique of the Mojave plains still remains an inviting oasis of refreshment and contemplation where time stands still beneath the stillness of the midnight stars. 12/5/2022