lilacs

Spring Delight

and can you hear the birds singing?

Looking

I am looking for the ocean
on a cloudy desert day,
looking for the prairie
in the red canyon walls,
looking for the horizon
between my neighbors' houses,
looking for summer
as snow falls on lilacs,
looking for wilderness
standing on asphalt,
looking for friends
in strangers' faces,
looking for my future
in the ticking clock.
I am looking for something
when something is here now.

The Deer in Bryce Canyon

Resting beneath a pine,
There was no fear at all,
Staring at me camera in hand,
No sense that she might jump.
She seemed used to us,
Visitors interested in her,
Meaning no harm (unless
The harm has already been done)
We really were of little interest
To her and her clan.
Nature tamed by man,
Or we are tamed by her.
I took the picture
And backed away cautiously.
Without her caring much
One way or the other,
It was mid-day, resting,
Beneath a pine tree.

Changes

Smoke from controlled  fire in Red Canyon

Changes are still coming,

Coming some enough,

Changes in the seasons,

Changes in the weather,

Changes in the guard,

Changing my mind (again),

Changes of my heart,

Changes are still coming,

Coming soon enough.

Grow Where You Are Planted (to the extreme!)

I am amazed at the tenacity of living things to survive and thrive in the most hostile environments.

Bryce Canyon

Thursday, April 21, 2016

I just want to say, in the midst of the debate on federal lands in the west... I appreciate our national parks.