CRY OF THE DESERT

There was a desert who called to me
On a sultry, summer night
Alone I went, into the dark
With not so much as a light

I'd left the desert when daylight came
And she cried out for my return
With pangs of desire she struck a fire
That to my core yet burns

I recall the saguaros swiping at me
With spiny, willowy arms
Night birds took flight and rustled the brush
From a place where nothing had been

Cholla cactus sprang to life
They grew eerie, comical features
Then went jumping about in chaotic style
Dancing with other night creatures

I was drunk by the scent of fear in the night
Ravenous for what was there

Amber lights bounced across the desert floor
And turned tall, lighted towers in the air
Then they cast a mirage and became
A blazing city on water so fair

The full moon sat down on top of a hill
I felt like I could touch it
Its fire was soft and left me breathless
It lighted my path in the dark

Drenched in sweat as I took it all in
I was grounded to this land
Then Desert reached out as if to lead
She took me by the hand

With one fell-swoop she spread
The color of red and she
Filled up the sand

I stood in awe and disbelief
Of all the things I'd spied
When I couldn't think anymore
I sat down and I cried

The moon fell down
The sun rose up
And knew I'd stayed too long

But again when dusk neared
All I wanted to hear
Was Deserts next
Terrifying song