Blue Desert

It’s the last week of May and

the spring bulbs are all done. The iris

isn’t blooming yet, The peonies

hang their heavy heads over

the lawn.

                   This morning at dawn

the sky was striped pink and orange

like Utah sandstone. Shafts of sun

fell through gaps in the clouds

as into slot canyons.

                                      I’m folding

the down comforters. I’ve put away

the space heater. It’s not yet time

for the air conditioner. There’s

still dew on the lawn.

                                      Soon enough

the rain gauge will rattle empty.

Soon the clouds will roll back

and leave the sky a blue desert,

hot and featureless until the first

curl of smoke.

 

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