Frontera
February 13, 2025
Photo © copyright by Nathan Larson.
Frontera
Southern exposure,
rocked by warm waves of tawny light,
the desert breathes out and in,
pulsing air—softly, like a lie.
Simmering disconcertment,
I climb canyons of pain,
sand over slickrock swallowing footprints,
sun pressing against my back, a hardened hand.
Staggering distance,
phantom borders patrol themselves,
wind-carved lines shifting as the land forgets
what belongs to whom.
Solicitude unwavering,
the earthen saddle soothes,
dust settling into my knuckles,
a quiet offering, a whispered truce.
-nl
25/100