Rains seldom fall here.
Snowmelt races across rocky shelves
that barre water from soil,
carving valleys into the roots of the rising peaks.
Layers beneath
water wanders
lost,
smelling the life above that calls in thirst.
Heat sets the waters a-broil
to leech out into azure pools
or drip castles down the mountain side
and belch muddy sulphur in relief.
The earth seems still and lifeless with its
stingy speckled green.
Do not be deceived.
This is a volcanic land -
the birthing ground of mountains.
--
Ann Moradian, January 9, 2011
photos copyright 2010, Kenneth L. Tharp.I wanted to share these photos my father took. The terrain is distinctive and fascinating, though harsh. I tried to put words to the memory of that land -- not quite a poem, but maybe an idea shared.
