Fresh running water

     Caresses high rock outcroppings

          Tumbling to the parched earth below.

Temporary pools of water form

     Mirroring the moonlight

        Then shattering like glass as a cloudburst passes overhead.

No animal sounds can be heard

     As the earth drinks deeply

          Absorbing the cold beauty of the hard rain.

Occasional stars shine dimly through the passing clouds

     Too small to provide any light,

          Unquenchable as they burn with the intensity of the sun.

Here, on this cold, high desert floor

     I await the passing of the needed storm

          Tomorrow’s sunlight will renew the annual cycle of life.

So, too, my cycle unfolds

     Cool then warm, boisterous then quiet,

            Finally, plateauing as the high desert absorbs the sun.