At arroyo's end
I stand barefoot.
Feet tingle from
walk to the edge.
On my way
evidence of water's flow
is everywhere
although no rain
has fallen in months.
I long to witness
the raging water
roaring through
dry channels
to tumble
into canyon below.
Filling waterholes
mother nature's offering
to desert dwellers.
Junipers line the edge
fighting erosion
suspended partly in air.
How many trees
have succumbed to this?
Soil washed out from under?
It saddens me
they'll die alone
without witness
to their demise.
Author notes
Written June 6th, 2006
photo by author
A contest entry
- The Desert by Danna Hobart.
300 points, ended August 24, 2007, 11 entries
Bronze trophy winner
• next poem in this contest, remove from contest
What did you think
Comments
1 - 10 of 10
-
This is a beautiful description of natural settings. Much enjoyed the read. Congrats of your bronze trophy.
-
This is beautiful. You have done the desert justice. It made me think of a trip I took to the Cariszzo Plain a couple of years ago. Love the whole twist on the tree in the forest metaphor: "if the tree washes out in the desert and nobody is there to witness it, did it ever really exist?"
-
-
thanks very much, I appreciate your comment and contest, and thanks a million for awarding this a bronze~
-
-
oh.. i really like this one! it's like an insightful adventure.. stopping every now and then to notice what's in your way. i like the casual tone of this, which, at the same time, is like both a story being told, and deep thoughts to oneself. beautiful description in simplicity.
good luck!
-
Excellent descriptions--hard and real. I like the way you write without striving for over-the-top poetic effects. Good luck in the conrest.
Bill
-
VERY BEAUTIFUL
You describe the desert so beautfully. I have never been to the desert and someday I will go and see for myself what you see everyday.
-
Yes, I have had friends from the East visit, and they are mostly amazed at the lack of green, yet the desert has many contrasting colors, even the dirt can range from many shades of brown to maroon, to vivid reds, I guess you either love it or hate it, I love it.
-
Quite vivid. I've never seen a desert except on TV...I passed through Arizona once...it seemed desertish.
Found it different...sort of depressing, everything dry, no seeming lushness. I was glad when I left. And as a metaphor...we all need meaning...and to have a purpose and someone who cares.
-
Thank you Rebeka, I am so in love with the desert that when faced to write about it, I fear I cannot do it justice, I am glad you liked this piece, I live in the high desert in NW New Mexico, and spend alot of time outdoors enjoying it, and I am so excited it is gently raining right now!!
-
i like it, stated simply but could be a very complex metaphor for life, we all plummet sometimes, lol..this was like walking out in yuma to me, a long time ago i was there and at daylight we walked and i saw desert land for the first time ever...more life than i had anticipated...you write of the rabbits and such, reminders there is always life even in the most desolate places. i thought then as i think now, the desert is a beautiful place, and i love to go there.
Adding your comment:
1 - 10 of 10
