From the North we travelled,
left just as autumn’s brilliance
retreated under the startling
white of winter’s cold breath
Drove through towns grayed
by overcast skies, witnessed
a reversal of seasons, return
of burnt oranges, rusted reds
until green gave over to desert
hues – chalky yellow hills with
dusty, low shrubs, burnt umbers
and muted violet prickly pears
Westward we drove, over wide
open spaces, followed rivers
into mountains, tracked birds,
wildlife, the mystery of saguaro
Encountered red rocks and black
mountains, the Colorado, and
further expanses of barren land
desolation betraying hard times
Continued on till highways widened
and the congestion of civilization
startled us out of our desert sedation
tossed us back into urban bustle
Then we turned north, headed back
to the mountains, now green, rolling,
promising milder temperatures and
the reassurance of flowing river beds
In time, we’ll turn eastward, set our
compass for home, knowing that
there will be disquiet, this lust for
wandering settling in old bones.
(The image is from my personal collection. To read more about our adventures on the road, visit me at One Woman’s Quest II.)