dying in joshua tree

the sun rises slow

over red rock and Joshua tree

our bodies respond

to the refining sunlight

but linger, still

over the middle islands

we murmur

reflect against the deft shadows of boulders

 

but then

growing heat

the smoky rails of the night

capsizes into day

the world opens its thighs

like a woman.

wet gun grinds

in the darkly painted hollows of his palms

and i search the halo street mystery of his eyes

 

his tongue is the center of the desert morning

and he slices inside me with

delicate bones

and faith.

I succumb

like a wounded tendon

riding

the red feather

of his heart

into a greater elevation

so it is inconceivable

that we had

lived lives

wild and solitary

in the holy metal truths of dirty books

quite long enough

without each other

 

but then

parallel sidestreets

like purple horizon stretches of Indio

finally merged

as a full, heavy, satisfying weight

drove down

interlocking

torpedoes to target

wafting impossible smokes and spirits

severing all other entanglements

stabbing us

so we humbled into secret names

 

the wise may grieve

on this world of labor and sorrow and strife

and our reckless conception

but our death

engulfs beyond all logic

all reason

in thunderous drumming heartbeats of dying

and the child

is an artifact

suspended in sunrise.

Reviews

[Coyote Poetry]

You are a amazing writer. Poem took me on a journey of understanding. I believe death is the last real mystery man desire to understand. You had me from the strong opening lines. Many visions create by strong statements in the poem.
"the wise may grieve
on this world of labor and sorrow and strife
and our reckless conception"
Thank you for sharing the excellent poem.
Coyote

[Sinta Jimenez]

Thank you very much!

[MOON]

Striking imagery a journey a story of love to chaos and pain. An the child is n a rtifact suspended in sunrise. Poignant lovely write.

[Sinta Jimenez]

Thank you!

[Everett DeValle]

This is beautiful...I can imagine your images in your lines...wonderful work.

[Sinta Jimenez]

Thank you!

[Everett DeValle]

You are very welcome.