DESERT ODE
By Pamela Walsma
Weeds that tumble
Bees that bumble
Roads that run
In heat and sun
Winds that rumble
Till all is done

Lizards on tiptoe
Move to and fro
In dunes of sand
Through hot dry land
Where cactus grow
And gold is panned

The sun does rise
Through cloudless skies
An expanse of blue
But each day so new
Where an inca flies
And dreams are true

Rats with packs
Leave tiny tracks
And toads with horns
Hide under thorns
Till shadows wax
Or movement warns

Washes so dry
They crack and sigh
With leaves and brush
Then fill and rush
Both fast and high

Then silence and hush
Such awe is struck
With awe and pluck

The warm breeze blows
Away thoughts of snows
And hope and luck
Are all that flows

A mystic place
Of silent chase
Or quiet sound
Or howls of hound
Who run the race
O’er soft sweet ground

Smell blossom scent
With subtle hint
Both orange and lime
To learn in time
As all is meant
Harsh and sublime

Til eve does fall
When the stars do call
To the moon ahead
And shimmers red
In darkest pall
Till light has fled