Desert Life
Desert extremes…
And sun does sear the sky,
blistered clouds and drying eyes,
as summer’s deft touch paints the landscape,
browns and oranges spattered wide, and
laden blues of sky refuse to still the heat,
as shadows filled with panting flesh,
recede from light, hoping for an early night,
a breath of cooler air.
Then desert still releases the ills of day,
and while stars glimmer the purple sheet above,
chilled grounds and rocks do crack
under the pendulum’s furthest swing,
so cold now is everything,
burrowed life to survive the night,
huddle in groups,
life of relentless extremes do sleep.
Desert you beguile me,
yet harsh your rules, your daily drills,
and dry your breath your words bereft,
inspire all that light prevails,
and midnight tunes in crystal studded skies,
such beauty then to compromise a life,
not attuned to your parade,
a life earned in such a way, a miracle.
Tony DeLorger © 2016
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I love the Southwest deserts here, with their subtle colors of purples and blues and the Earth tones so bold. And the rock formations are so mysterious, amazing. I live in the Great Basin high desert, Northern Nevada, so it is not quite as extreme and we don’t have those bold Earth tones, but we do get the extreme temperatures. I love that image you chose, Tony, and your verse is so in tune with the beautiful desert and all its mysteries. Well done!
Glad you appreciated it Phyllis, nature is filled with wonder. Take care
So many vivid images Tony, you take us into the beauty and harsh reality of desert life. The extremes that give awe. Love the use of the ‘purple sheet’ and the pendulum swing…I fell into color and sensation. Enjoyed it. 🙂
Best,
Mel
Glad you did Mel, and thanks for you support. Take care. Just sent the final proofs for the book to John, so we should be up and printing soon.
Thank you for the wonderful poetic journey into the desert.
Thanks Rasma, glad you enjoyed it.
Reading this reminds me of an earlier period in my life when I spent several months camping in the desert – the boiling heat of the day followed by the silent cold of the night will forever stick in my memories – nice presentation !
Thanks Ralph, the desert has a beauty all of its own, for sure. Cheers!