Desert

Don't think of it only as sand and

wrinkling dunes, blowing dust

and legends of lost cities.

Don't think of camel bells and

caravans approaching oases of palms.

Don't think of moonscapes, sand

storms, and wilderness, desolate

and blank.

All right. Wilderness is allowed.

Think wild. Think of a desert in spring.

Think American cactuses in bloom.

Think of small creatures running,

red snakes sunning, and blossoms

blessing the gift of sight.