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.