East Mesa

WE WALKED ALONG THE DESERT’S RIM AND WATCHED THE SUN GO DOWN.

"Oh right," said Kid, though that’s not really what he did.
"Is that all?" she asked softly.

WE SAW THE NIGHT RISE IN THE EAST AS SHADOWS SOAKED THE GROUND.

"When did you say?" he asked.

OUR SENSES WERE ALIVE AND YET WE COULDN’T HEAR A SOUND.


A PLANET SHINING ACROSS THE PLAIN LIKE SOME ANCESTRAL TEMPLE FLAME.

Mona picked up a rock and held it.

THE CRESCENT MOON RETURNED OUR CRY.

She laid the rock atop a cholla and turned away.

LIKE ANIMALS ABOUT TO DIE, WE DIDN’T STOP TO WONDER WHY WE STOOD THERE.

"Let’s go," she said.