of the places
we passed –
on our way to becoming
there were times
taken back
for a while to reflect
as sunlight burned holes
in the feet of our longing
and eyes searched the shadows
for nights barely done –

poems laid out
in uneven patterns
lessons forgiving
each name said aloud
mysteries turned by our faith in forever
in moments unspoken
given voice
by the clouds

red clay horizons
and blue opal brushes
twilight and words without shame
cactus grew wild
at the edges of memory
as somewhere
the skies painted
pictures of us –

in ribbons of
bluebird and flame