High Desert

Inspired by a trip to Lake Powell

Ribbon of highway - straight over the horizon
Flat, arid land in a plain brown wrapper
Fingers of stone - point towards heaven
Heat waves dancing up from the pavement
Covered with tarp, a crude shelter of sticks
Wind whistling through, dust blowing like tiny knives
Small tracks disappear in the sand
Bunch grass losing the struggle for life
Navajo child on a  blanket in the shade
Navajo grandma near at hand
Black hair, dark skin, white teeth in a grin
Ageless eyes in an aged face
Strand of juniper berry beads - strung by hand
Ribbon of highway - straight over the horizon