by Ethel Mortenson Davis
“I could never
live in a place
where it doesn’t rain
and isn’t green.”
“It’s the same earth
that’s wrapped around
the great lakes,
just farther west
and south.”
“What do you see in it?”
“I see clouds hugging
the tall mountains and not
letting go.
I see the white rose
and purple blossom
existing in the dry land
because they are sacred.
I see the people
come outside and celebrate
with dance
in the eternal circle
when the rains finally
do come.”
fourwindowspress 
The desert has it’s own special magic 🙂 I now live where it’s green, but miss the desert and the mountains greatly. Green is over-rated……
The desert certainly is a spiritual place. Very magical indeed. Thanks. Love Ethel
This creates such a vivid image; I especially love the thought of the white rose and purple blossom existing in the dry because they are sacred. How little I actually know – about anything 🙂 xx
Thanks for this. Hope you have a good day. Love Ethel
Love that “clouds hugging …” image.
Glad you like it. Love Ethel
The whole poem is enchanting.
This is so lovely, Ethel! I’ve always needed to be near green trees and salt water, but over the years I’ve come to appreciate the beauty and sacredness of the southwest as well. This will be one of my favorites of yours.
Hi Ethel, This is a lovely poem. Where you live is clearly special to you.
Australia’s deserts are celebrated in art, photography, stories and myth both by the original inhabitants and the more recent arrivals.
‘“It’s the same earth
that’s wrapped around
the great lakes,
just farther west
and south.”
And so it is all part of the whole – just as there is light and dark and all that is in-between, so there is arid and wet and all the variations of the miracle that is the earth. There should not be one kind of terrain that versus another – your beautiful poem made me think about that.
Ah, Ethel, This is another of those moments when I struggle not to be envious of your skill.
Homage.
Reblogged this on Ben Naga and commented:
Not following fourwindspress? Why ever not?
Ben, your comment made me follow fourwindowspress
If you have the time, do investigate further. 🙂
Two other poetry sites I’d highly recommend are
Seasonings (http://raindancepoetry.wordpress.com/)
and
The Introspective Introvert (http://simplybluey.wordpress.com/2013/06/12/lambs-3ww/).
And is this a good place that I also esteem your work.
Beautiful 🙂