Desert Dawn

Golden warmth tumbles over

pillowed sandstone,

illuminating dusty slick rock walls.

Evasive desert tortoise slowing creeping

into the light, slowly shuffling along the

crimson floor, savoring every moment before

scorching heat descends, driving him back

to the welcoming shade of the

lavender-laden sage.

Lizards basking in the rising sun,

a panacea for their temperature woes,

regulated by nature, customized with
scaly backs and long, wet tongues.

Dainty arms push up, showcasing strength,

claiming territory.

Pinyons spreading stout, green arms

blotting blue from the surrounding sky,

wearing crowns upon rounded heads,

proclaiming majesty to their

desert throne. Guardians to all who need

shelter, protection, refuge from the harshness

of the unforgiving land.

The sharp cry from a Cooper's Hawk shatters the

morning stillness as he flies, surveying the

slight hills and deep ravines, hidden canyons,

God's chosen treasures spreading

as far as his razor-sharp eyes can take in.

Sunlight stretching further, coloring the land,

splaying serenity, caressing grained sand,

kissing windswept mesas, promises of a lifetime

of love for this solitary landscape we call home.

Rachel's Writings