Sometimes a desert
a dirt road
off the highway
a carpet of sand
lifeless weeds
twisted barbwire
arroyos, tumble weeds
and road signs shot to death
wishing for something new
doesn’t exist here
no prayers or supplications
on this level ground
of desperate and forgotten
speak of this place
with respect
its revenge will
distract your compass
and swallow your thirst
stand on its border
and admire
the challenge untaken
Roger Singer 