So I thought I'd share something I wrote last year after visiting the desert southwest. I would love it if you all could tear it apart:) Desert Rain They say the desert misses the rain. The barren land, vast and still, No stranger to danger and death, Spreads beneath a burning sun; Miles of rock and tenacious plant life. Cacti grow despite the drought Standing for a century or more Oblivious to dry and heat. Yet, they say the desert misses the rain. Cloudless skies of deepest blue Cradle the merciless orb Scorching the earth below. Shade holds no comfort For those seeking relief. Remains of saguaros dot the rugged slopes, Mysterious skeletons of another age. Still, they say the desert misses the rain. For when the skies cloud over Bringing moisture to the sand, The drab stone world springs to life. Dried twigs of ocotillo burst into bloom, Green invades the brown and red And softer beauty spreads o'er the land. But the blinding sun returns, Once again to suck the landscape dry. Yes, they say the desert misses the rain. February 2002