Tuesday, May 23, 2023

(Hiking) Arizona

 

Photo © 2023 Jennifer Wagner

My second favorite color

is explosive

and luscious.

 

I don’t know if I like

the dirt it leaves

on my shoes.

I’m torn.

 

It means I’ve walked

through it

and lived to tell

 

but the chili powder heat

is a hell

all its own.

 

Hesperidium marmalade,

sandstone, cider, spice

against a spotty blue leopard sky.

 

Sigh.

 

My palms turn sepia from the reach,

and though the beauty is a beast,

 

I know it was always meant

to be a part of me,

 

like a blazing sun,

like love,

 

because

my skin sings

even while it burns.

 

 

© 2023 Jennifer Wagner

 

Photo © 2023 Jennifer Wagner