The setting sun drapes
The canyon’s majestic glory
Into folds of slate silk

Shelter for bighorn sheep
Relief from July’s blazing rays –
A soothing wind whispers
A lullaby of gentle rain

Its promise –
Like the clink of ice cubes
In a chilled drink
On a scorching afternoon –
Sweeps over the desert dust

An ancient song in the soul
Of silent rocks
Lungs of the earth opening
To deep breaths of relief
From summer’s bite

Under a myriad of stars
Where time is measured in eons
A soft morning forms
In the womb of promise
As condor’s wings whoosh

Sometimes even glorious
Canyons can’t fight the gray

Just wait
– once again –
The turquoise
Will arrive