Ridgetop Towns

In the east half of this state, the hills
run south to north; the start of basin/range
terrain that sweeps down through Nevada. Spills
of old Columbia basalt arrange
themselves in layered stacks, erode to rims
that frame the inter-mountain lakes in stone.
Like skirts of heavy black, they lift their hems
revealing painted clays and fossil bones.

And in the little tawny hills, the towns
that cling to ridgetops, and the tumble-down
of barns abandoned; shingle roofs that fly
at sight of storm.
            Roads can no longer find
rivers to follow. Water replaced by wind:
dry brush painting on an empty sky.

Available! High-Voltage Lines, Knocking from Inside