The sun illuminates sprawling
sand, an untouchable, untamable
desert. A lone shadow distorts
glimmering beads that burn
naked, unsuspecting skin. Bare
toes dig deep, embracing cooler depths,
refusing to release.
One hand lifts. A farewell to blazing
heat, endless wandering, immeasurable bliss in solitude.
Darkness settles, creeping over wild, shifting hills.
Coyotes howling echoes in open air, mixed
with the cries of owls – the cries
of life. Predators roam, headlights flash, an engine roars.
A single figure stands firm, unchanged,
unmoving – as constant as the sun.
