Water Canyon
before you get to
the old town of Magdalena
coming from Socorro
turn southwest & go up Water Canon
hike the mesa trail
south canyon wandering
no sight of water anywhere
almost clutched a rattler on
hard cliff ledge of heat
thunder in the distance
forecasting more falling skies
my mind mistook the rattle & hissing
for a strange insect-hummingbird
30 seconds of stopped motion
& mind clicking to the image
eyes following sound to see
the small tail waving
from a small crevice close to hand
too, I saw these butterflies
they fluttered along with me towards camp
one black with white stripes
two teal-blue, finger wide
flying sky reflections
thirst pulled me in
to the stored supplies
Copyright 1986, edited 2006 njTare
