POEM FOR THURSDAY

(cable mt. in Zion)

This is no place
for anyone
who wants
soft hills
and meadows
and everything
green
green
green....

This is for hawks
that like only
the loneiest canyons
and lizards
that run
in the hottest sand
and
coyotes
that choose
the rockiest trails.

Its for them

And for
birds
that nest
in cactus
and sing out over
a thousand thorns
because
they're where
they want to be.

Its for them.

And for
hard skinny plants
that do without water
for months
at a time....

They wouldnt leave
even for rivers
or flowers
or bending grass.
They'd miss
the sand too much.
They'd miss the sun

So its for them.
-Byrd Baylor