Saphire Sky

The piddlin poodles garnishing puddles
Reminds me of the time back packed into the grand canyon
A pathway chiseled into the canyon wall
Six miles long to go one mile deep
The straps of the pack squeak
The only sound to hear but for flop of feet
In dust
Sigh of companion
Edge of canyon
Layers upon layers
Eyes can't really perceive
How far one would fall...
Cactus.
Red rock, ocher rock, crimson rock, russet rock
Yucca.
garnet rock, carmen rock. Brown rock
Mesquite.

Give way to the mule train
Tourists who can afford the fee
Mules pee in the same puddle
Like bottles being filled on a conveyor
I can still remember the stale smell...
Pressed against the canyon wall
Urine and sweat drenched leather

The night sky filled with Linde star wonder
Saphires, campfires, sparks wafting high
Canyon walls channel hush
Distant rush of chilled Colorado
Sore muscle memory
Indian Gardens, Bright Angel Creek
Must do it again some day