Vibrant Haven
Santa Rosa emerges from
the arid landscape
a rust-streaked jade piece
banded with silver rivulets
& dancing lakes of turquoise
flowering cactus
buzzing insect heat
taste the emerald green
feel textured crevices of
eroded sandstone
old adobe houses
cooling under cottonwoods
Santa Rosa has a flavor
enriched by spicy centuries
or villages overlaying villages
cultures superimposed on cultures
- the scent a heady mix
collage of images
out of sweltering rock
centered among mesas
flat table-topped, scruboak bound
Santa Rosa softens harsh terrain
cools thirst with
friendly verdant hues
jewel vibrant amid torrents of heat
haven of portage
from rolling prairie storms
you have welcomed weary travelers
across time & words & change
spilling laughter into channels
of flowing brooks!
Copyright 1986, edited 2006 njTare
