Desert dawn breaks chill and lonely.
From the east, sun climbs slowly,
casting long shadows across barren rocks
as grays fade to oranges then browns.

Roadrunners search for slow moving reptiles
soaking up solar energy in their race for survival.
Emaciated tumbleweeds, pushed by wind
have no choice where they settle.

Midday brings danger from scorching heat,
the sun at its zenith burns earth.
Shadows, too small for shade, hold no respite
from sun's glaring rays.

A rock tumbles from its precarious perch
as evening quickly cools after sun's retreat.
Long shadows fade from gray to black,
their colors stolen by cold moon and endless stars.

Grumblings of the prospector’s woman
fall on deaf ears as he happily snores,
waiting on the chill desert dawn.
For her, dawn is lonely.