All Your ways are truth Lord
in righteousness You dwell
You heal the unforgiven Lord
and make the sick ones well;
You make the mountains high Lord
and the valleys sweet and low
You make my heart at peace Lord
and make all waters flow;
You bless the faithful people
Your power keeps them safe
the winds of trouble still do blow
but they no longer chafe;
You are the way to heaven Lord
and the the glory is all Yours
You make Yourself available
to those inside Your doors;
The Prince of Peace is Your crown
all else is mass disorder
I thank You Father for Your call
within salvation's border.

Winds are sweeping through the pines
as I drive to Aspen Creek
exit the car, taking my dog
edging to the trail I seek;
It's a cool and quiet place
not too far from town
but different here with trees
and nature's to be found;
The sky is blue and brilliant
the path before us calls
we stride with quickened steps
as we merge into its halls;
As majestic as a temple
with a babbling stream nearby
air that's sweet as perfume
pleasant breezes sigh;
We spend an hour walking
on the ridge the town's in view
we pay it scant attention
after all, we're passing through.

All my life's been sun and shadow
brought about in different ways
youth and vigor, aging seasons
brilliant light and dark-filled days.
Interspersed with rain and snow
blown by winds both mild and strong
days of happiness, too short
sleepless  nights that went too long.
All my life's been sun and shadow
winsome days, with little care
days of turmoil, tinged in sadness
just a step from deep despair.
Fleeting now, the bloom of youth
present now, the chilly wind
darkness gains upon the light
eventually,  the seasons  end.
All my life's been sun and shadow
chased by moods both good and bad
but the good outweighed the other
of every season that I had.

Good Golly Miss Molly
rock  and roll has died
with your passing yesterday
rock and rollers cried.
Long Tall Sally says goodbye
the heart of soul has gone
we will miss the shouts
that sparked your earthy song.
Lucille and Rip It Up
have faded in the light
buried with your mournful voice
that echoes  in the night.
Little Richard gone from sight
with others of his kind
but the music, it lives on
in the framework of the mind.

I buried my anger in the ground
out of sight and out of sound
buried hate and fostered love
got the message from above.
Found the truth and cut out lies
sang His praises to the skies
gave forgiveness, got it back
mended all my hidden cracks.
Got the blessings that I need
cut off envy, swallowed greed
gave my burdens up to Him
turned my back against all sin.
Fed myself the Bread if Life
fought off Satan, eased the strife
put His mighty presence first
from His fountain, I don't thirst.
Became instead, a new creation
raised my soul to a higher station
wrapped myself in His great Being
aware of beauty I was seeing.

Once, we ate the bread of adversity
satisfying ourselves, alone;
greedy with the cares of life
heavy hearts, etched in stone.
Once we ate the bread of wickedness,
delighted in our sinful ways;
unconcerned about tomorrow
forgetful of the passing days.
Once we ate the bread of affliction,
fleeing from oppressive foes;
wandering to a promised land
where the milk and honey flows.

Now, we eat the bread of heaven,
blessed and sent from up above;
with prayers of thanks to Him
who first showed us, His love.

Now, we eat the bread of life,
seasoned with the fleeting years;
tempered by the blood of Christ
who buries now our earthly fears.

In place of hate, I put love,
instead of war, I put peace;
and the blessings I received,
have yet, to come, to cease.
In place of pride, I am humble,
instead of anger, I just smile;
and the joy,  that I felt...
has lasted all this while.
My wickedness caused me pain,
but truth called to my heart;
and with God's Holy Spirit,
I made a brand new start.
Became a new creation,
cast off the chains of sin;
free from it's strong bonds,
aware of where I'd been.
In place of wounds, found healing,
instead of sadness  -  hope;
in the promise of tomorrow,
a place where I can cope.

Have they come to rob the store?
these people that wear those masks
only one of those my fickle friend
we have to save for those that ask.

I used to broad jump over six feet
social distance's now's the goal
keep away from me my pal
play your prim and proper role.

Don't touch your face at all
you don't know where those hands have been
don't cough or pant for breath
when will this virus ever end?

Stay at home for months and months
locked up in your dwelling
don't buy from take out food too much
who knows just what they're selling?

Read or watch the television
listen to music too -
we're all going bananas
this much I know is true.

When you came unto my life
it brightened up my day
some doldrums faded swiftly
I threw the rest away.

The first date is the standard test
will I like her, will she like me?
I was pleased and jubilant
(the way it worked you see).

You were charming and delightful
as we chatted about life
about ordinary things
work and play, stress and strife.

Old loves, better times and music
books we liked and ones we hated
food we loved, the past and present
and things  better left unstated.

When you came into my life,
you were like sunshine after rain
I felt whole again, revived
like someone finally free of pain.

In this time of trial and tribulation
social outcasts in one stroke
we face each other, nation to nation
wondering if its all a joke;
hardly a joke my puzzled friend
fevers, coughs and short of breath
we may be close to our own end
shaking hands with doctor death;
let's pray to God for our salvation
repenting of our sinful ways
irregardless of our station
we must be wary of the days;
wash those hands, wash them clean
disinfect the counter-tops
**** the viruses unseen
until its presence stops;
until this ****** pestilence dies
until we can be close again
let's silence rumors and silly lies
and look back at where we've been.

Cards and letters, gone unanswered
several questions, left unsaid
no e-mails and no phone calls
I may as well be dead.
Faded memories, ancient photos
now a cobweb in my mind
turned to dust and ashes
down a river I can't find.
Sweet hellos and sad good-byes
linger long in silent thought
of a happier existence
not the hurt that time has brought.
Alas, our love was too one-sided
and the pieces never fit
dissolving slowly in the wind
little fragments, bit by bit.
Now there's just this empty shell
no love; a heavy heart, like lead
words that seem to only echo
I may as well be dead.

When you come to me
I shall be ready
with honor and with glory
and with praising song
because you turned my life around
and revealed to me
what is right and what is wrong;
Gave me the truth that
I was searching for
gave me the strength
to go through any door;
Caused me to hope
when everything went wrong
put me with other people
where I felt I belonged;
Renewed by faith in God
with the promise of tomorrow
where death will be extinguished
where there will be no sorrow;
Where all will place God
above all else
the name above names
where peace and love and joy
forever reigns.

Things that do not satisfy,
are things I shun the most -
like zombies & werewolves,
sorcery and ghosts.

Movies laced with violence,
excess profanity in bools -
music that's just noise,
proud and haughty looks.

Things that do not satisfy,
from such, I turn away -
they only seek to scar he soul,
to mar a perfect day.

Give me truth and beauty,
that satisfies the soul -
poetry that nourishes,
to make the body whole.

Things that do  not satisfy,
I gladly set aside -
to be contented in this world,
to never have to hide.

My heart is yours alone Lord,
to do with  what You will;
I only know with You Lord,
it's peaceful and it's still.
Free from a worried mind Lord,
free from a damaged life;
beating just for You Lord,
absent from all strife.
My heart is yours alone Lord,
to keep Your truth in hand;
to keep the narrow path Lord,
in the place that I now stand.
My soul is with You always,
I've turned my back on sin;
keeping Your commandments,
aware of where I've been.
My heart is yours alone Lord,
to sing You songs of praise;
humble and obedient,
until my final days.

You have to be called
to share His hope
to sing His song
so you can cope;
You have to listen
to really hear His voice
you have to choose
the only rightful choice;
You have to set aside
all the things you learned
from this deceitful world
by which you have been burned;
You have to change
the way you have been thinking
open up the eyes
do a lot less blinking;
You have to be called
to be a new creation
else you'll stay the same
at your previous old station.

Long ago and far away
you came into my life one day
stayed with me - on the run
until we lost our first son.
Shotgun marriages seldom last
due to one's misguided past
subject to a quick demise
full of ugly hidden lies.
Long ago and far away
you were  doomed to never stay
I was running from your arms
indifferent to your wily charms.
Chasing after foolish hope
drinking so that I could cope
Stupid, I threw it all aside
in the event that I could hide.
Long ago and far away
loving you was only play
we couldn't stay together long
when death began its mournful song.

Mary Magdalene followed Jesus
seven devils in her past
but Jesus blessed her heart
and His blessings always last.
She came to His tomb with spices
to anoint His sainted head
but he was risen and gone
raised from His fleshly dead.
As a spirit, to his Father in heaven
to sit at His right hand
to await His earthly return
so we might understand.
To judge the righteous and wicked
to rule with an iron hand
to correct our carnal mistakes
so we might understand.
To establish His heavenly kingdom
all part of salvation's plan
to give us all life eternal
so we might understand.

There is beauty in His being
there is beauty great and strong
there is beauty in His seeing
there is beauty in His song.
There is justice in His voice
there is justice in His power
there is justice in His choice
there is justice He will shower.
There is mercy in His heart
there is mercy in His eyes
there is mercy on His part
there is mercy none can buy.
there is wisdom in His laws
there is wisdom in His soul
there is wisdom with no flaws
there is wisdom He makes whole.
There's forgiveness in His arms
there's forgiveness in His word
there's forgiveness without alarm
there's forgiveness when He is heard.

Scoffers, skeptics, fools,
too far away from God
laugh at my convictions
and often call me odd.

Because my faith is solid
because my faith is strong
I laugh right back at them
and call them wrong.

Morals have been lost
values down the drain
ethics out the window
intolerance...insane!

The devil throws the dice
and wins most of the time
most anything now goes
what's done is just a crime.

It's too late to save them
from the lake of fire
they've tossed it all away
by the flames of their desire.

You are the Bright and Morning Star Lord
Your name, above all names;
yesterday, today and tomorrow Lord
Your truth remains the same.
You are the Everlasting Father Lord
Your word is clothed in Glory;
dying for our sins Lord
in the never-ending story.
Your the Alpha and Omega Lord
the beginning and the end;
I'm at peace with all Lord
from the blessings that You send.
Your King of Kings and Lord of Lords,
and also, Prince of Peace;
the gift of all salvation
Your great wonders never cease.
Your the Bright and Morning Star Lord
of the world that needs Your light;
to bring all out of darkness
and knowing wrong from right.

New earth will be an Eden
like it was so long ago
when our parents knew no evil
and had that God-like glow;
when the air was pure and clean
when the animals were tame
before the serpent's touch
before we knew of shame;
when  angels clapped their hands
at our glorious creation
before they wept in sorrow
at the sins of every nation;
before man slew his brother
before the sin of Cain
when God protected us
when we had all to gain;
There is a new world coming
when again, the angels sing
when Christ returns in power
to reign on earth as King~!

In my den, I paced,
measured the width
from each angle;
eight by eight.
One bulb burned
brightly overhead.
The commode was a
cold stainless steel thing
projecting from a wall.
My bed was a metal one
with a thin mattress,
with two sheets and
a blanket.
I was in
disciplinary segregation,
(that's another term for Solitary)
Two weeks for refusing to
obey a direct order from a
captain.
I was in the stockade
going AWOL (in peace-time)
I was ornery and a hard-***.
They jailed my body -
but they never broke my mind.
Twice I was in solitary,
but they never broke my mind.
Yelling **** and bayoneting
a straw dummy was not
my passion.
And so I ran away from it all.
Discovering pacifism at
the age of seventeen.
Crossing the ARMY off
of my things to do list.

When I didn't know the seasons
when time to me was nil
everything was innocence
no sense of time to ****;
I finally learned of Spring
and the promises of love
that wafted down from heaven
and bright-lit skies above;
Then Summer came along
with marriage, jobs and kids
music, friends and laughter
just before I hit the skids;
Suddenly came Autumn
beautiful… serene…
scarred by circumstances
that erased my dreams;
Now- in the throes of Winter
I've accepted my true fate
ready to renew...once more
once more, to clean the slate

In a world of silence
I run on batteries
walk a mile or two
on wrinkled aging knees.

Hearing nothing as I sleep
most things won't wake me up
I sit in awesome silence
and sip my coffee cup.

Closed caption on the t. v.
informs me of the news
the world is still divided
violent, bitter,  bruised.

Time for my daily walk
check the batteries, they're fine
attach the hearing aids
the sun begins to shine.

My dog waits patiently
with uncomplaining love
it's a chilly wintry day
I reach to take my gloves

The air is frosty clean
I leave the car at home
and step with Jax, off the curb
in the neighborhood, to roam.

Heaven, love and truth
in my world do reign
soul and spirit shining
nothing ventured, nothing gained.
Peace and understanding
obedience to Him
make this world  a nothing
makes all else but dim.
Praise and song and glory
there's nothing else that matters
His word is paramount
though your heart be shattered.
Though your heart is hurting
His great love will mend
and not just for tomorrow
but it will never end.
Heaven, love and truth
peace and joy and bliss
eradication of the past
that you will never miss.

With faith, I keep the Sabbath Day
to honor Him, I kneel to pray
giving thanks, for all He's done
from each setting and rising of the sun.

His blessings are too numerous to name
He gives eternal life instead of fame
His holy days I'll keep and cherish
for if we keep His truth we will not perish.

His commandments keep our body strong
gives us the power of His mighty song
gives peace to the heart and soul
keeping our minds on track and whole.

Follow His ways to the path of living
not by all the getting, but the giving
love's the mainstream of His being
without it, we aren't really seeing.

With faith, I keep all hope alive
with God, it's all I need to thrive
I know He's the answer that I need
and on His Word alone... I feed.

When I left this world behind
my vision got much clearer
my hearing much improved
and the God I knew, much nearer.
I got cleansed and then renewed
a total transformation
got rid of excess baggage
began my transmigration.
When I left this world behind
I gained a new-found peace
and realized my life
had taken on new lease.
I dumped out all the ****
and shed my evil ways
and counted all my blessings
that I gathered all my days.
When I left this world behind
I sang all praise to Him
thanking Him for my change
from this world with all its sin.

Hear the whispers in the night?
something that ain't quite right;
a snort, a cough or rattling thing
who knows what the night might bring?

A scratching, doorknob turned sound
squeaking doors where no one's found;
scurrying, rapid, blurry mice
or something else that ain't so nice.

Muffled cries, sobs, a faint dog's bark
things get hairy, shadows in the park;
your mind is shutting down it's spark
get ready, get set, get on your mark.

GO! To the nearest exit, fast and flee
escape from things you cannot  see;
out the door, to a next door neighbor
or to someone else you favor.

Things that go bump in the night
giving your heart a dreadful fright;
why take chances, there in your bed?
it's better to wake up alive instead.

Honor our great God
give your burdens up to Him
fill your soul with love
empty it of sin;
Peace will rule your heart
it surpasses understanding
follow His great truth
let Him do your planning;
Forgive yourself and others
with what you have, be glad
keep your tongue from anger
it's senseless being mad;
Rid your life of turmoil
keep on an even keel
it's what you give to others
that fosters God's appeal;
This world is not His world
rebellion, lust and greed
only hurts the body
and that's not what you need.

When I have finished climbing up the ridge
to some secluded green and leafy knoll
where the view is often grand and splendid
then I can say, it's well, within my soul.
When I have reached the summit of success
and realized the elusive, treasured goal
then I'll bask in joy and satisfaction
for it's well, so very well, within my soul.
When I ask myself, the silent question,
for whom and what the bell does softly toll
I think of the captain of my salvation
and it's well, so very well, within my soul.
When I know, that without Him, I am lost
when I know, it's Him, that makes me whole
then there's peace, that passes understanding
and it is well, so well, within my soul.
When I see waves that kiss the distant shore
the white-tipped water on its constant roll
then I have a view of heaven's glory
then all is well, so well, within my soul.

Stuff I don't know  names of
pass by my line of sight;
as opposed to concrete thoughts
that I know as black and white.

But the land still has its charm
as I walk along the trail;
and gaze out on the plains
where much beauty still prevails.

It's not just what you know that counts
but how you view your world;
how you count your blessings
as it all unfurls.

A walk is just the thing
that your mind can savor;
when life is passing by
without much taste or flavor.

So, the stuff that I don't know
in the end, it does not matter;
it's lost upon the wind,
like empty, useless chatter.

Rivers of living waters,
flow through these aging bones;
refreshing vital fluids,
how pleasant are their tones.

Babbling brooks of life,
filtered by green-filled fields;
the substance of our being,
how sweet the bounty yields.

Fountains of clear, clean truth,
that give to you, your measure;
filling your cup, to its brim,
with God-given bits of treasure.

He who drinks of these waters,
shall never thirst again;
gone is the carnal man,
that relishes in sin.

Rivers of living waters,
comfort this soul of mine;
content in a new creation,
content to let time unwind.

Father, I know them not
whose feet are quick to run
to plot heir evil deeds
such people are to shun.
Those who break God's law
as if it was not there
those who follow others
like them, they do not care.
Father, I know them not
that speak of hate and anger
curse the color of one's skin
they only harbor danger.
They want to shout and yell
to harm the peaceful soul
they never stop to think
what really makes them whole.
Father, I know them not
they scoff at God and love
laugh at law and order
and warnings from above.

Are You running with me, Jesus?
through the tunnel we call life;
through the many slings and arrows,
of the ugly thing called strife?
Until the race is finished Lord,
we run with great conviction;
being honest with each person,
offering only peace, not friction.
Are You running with me, Jesus?
in this world that says You're dead:
in this world that chooses money,
and just gives You up instead.
They overfeed their bellies.
like their politics and greed;
they're chasing false beliefs,
they know not what they need.
Are You running with me, Jesus?
in the heartache of the night;
in the weary daytime hours,
we must go on with the fight.

114 degrees in the valley
glad I moved up north
away from killer heat
in numbers, I was fourth.

My folks moved here first
then my brother and sister
I finally made it up  here
(slowed by a heat blister)

The summer days in Phoenix
go on for way too long
even in the fall
there's no September song.

Triple digits make their mark
from April through October
relentless, oven-baked days
before the season's over.

It's a dry heat, so they say
but when you're hot, you're hot
when you're a 100 miles northwest
it's a much more pleasant spot

Walking in the pouring rain, I'm soaked
in the middle of a empty desert plain
pelted hard with big , wet, chilly drops
that sting and  make me flinch in pain.

My ballcap provides a little shelter
but it isn't long before it's soggy too
I search the skies for decent weather
but there only patches that are blue.

I resign myself and say it could be worse
instead of only rain, it could be hail
and improbably it could be snow
that would be covering up the trail.

August rain, from monsoon season
is unpredictable and often rude
coming fast, without much warning
it fouls and blemishes my cheery mood.

But being the long-lived desert rat I am
I take it with just a grain of precious salt
walking in the open spaces with no shelter
forgetting my umbrella's my **** fault.

The field has far too many
the choices, far too few
not much hope of any
making progress through.

It's a star show in the making
dressed up, upon the stage
are they real or are they faking?
when will they turn the page?

Where do they stand on this?
where do they stand on that?
it seems it'***** or miss
methinks they need a map.

Politics is strange and weird
often, it is tragic
they want to be endeared
as if, perhaps, by magic.

The candidates stand short and tall
stating all their  views
they'll celebrate today
tomorrow...just old news.

Lord - This is true, I know
from You, all good things flow
peace and joy and love
come down from high above.

Gone is anger and conceit
You have caused their swift retreat
along with hate and greed
for You satisfy our every need.

Lord - This I know is true
You forgive us through and through
when we pray and then repent
time with You is time well spent.

You bless our every strong desire
by Your holy righteous fire
if it is right,  not wrong -
You give us heaven's song.

Lord - I know this much is true
we're better when we think on You
starting now -  and never later
our precious, grand and great creator.

The sun is blazing hot,
in my corner of the world;
my dog is resting by the vent,
his body slightly curled.
I check the temp. at six,
still ninety in the shade;
a warm wind's blowing gently,
as the evening starts to fade.
In  a hour's time, perhaps,
we'll saunter down the street;
with hope of shadows growing,
to help ward off the heat.
A little stroll for exercise,
to get the blood a-flowing;
content to walk in circles,
we know where we are going.
Summer comes on strongly,
in this section of the west;
sometimes comforting...
today, it's just a pest.

Lord, Grant me quiet rest
from the turmoil of the day
sweet and pleasant slumber
let me sleep the hours away.
Make my dream a happy one
let it make me laugh and smile
keep fast in one position
all the night-time while.
Give me strength to face tomorrow
forgetting ills of yesterday
glad to see the rising sun
of a lovely brand-new day.
Filled with eager, pleasing steps
to start the dawn off right
well rested from the solitude
of the previous night.
Full of vim and flush with vigor
created fresh...anew
ready for most anything
I wish  to find   to do.

Sixty-two degrees at six a.m.,
to the east, the sun a molten ball;
the shadows long and dark,
shady, black and tall.

The trail is rocky,  dirt-filled,
waiting for our tramping feet;
the dogs, anxious, restless,
quick and limber,   fleet.

Two vagabonds just wandering,
breaking dawn's sweet rest;
with exercise and quiet thoughts,
in the arid, cloudless west.

Sharing little conversation,
enveloped by silent dreams;
we passed the cottonwoods,
across hot, dried-up streams.

Early morning  walks are best,
with eager, fellow beings;
blessed by great companionship,
and the earth that we are seeing.

You vanished from my life
just like a dream-
I wasn't what you thought
not what I seemed;
but then, love is often blind
and deaf and dumb-
we went our separate ways
not even chums;
committed to a wall,  unseen.

A barrier that none can see-
an obstacle that bars our way-
built for only you and me -
when one has nothing more to say.

I only wish you happiness and cheer -
good luck in your endeavor dear -
now, you've got one less to fear -
when long ago, we grew so very near.

Once you were here,
then you were gone;
forgotten me, me too,
you laughed and moved on.

I died in your sleep,
you died in mine;
what the hell darling
the past  was once fine.

This is a memory poem
written in a hurried manner;
could have been better my friend,
but I was never a planner.

Love lost is always tragic,
nice, sweet, sad, funny and blue;
scattered feelings, shattered dreams,
upset by things we never knew.

I'll forget you in a while,
love's not easily  won or lost;
but we always pay a price,
and always it's too much a cost.

I'm not ready to go, just yet,
let me stay a little longer;
I'm not that old you know,
perhaps a bit less stronger.
But my mind, it's still alive,
sharp as a tack... (I think);
I have many things to do,
that will keep me in the pink.
Old age is but a state of mind,
I have pleasant memories;
the years have been but kind,
(tho' I've sailed on troubled seas).
Let me leave when I am ready,
I will fight the dying light;
I'll be wary of the coming storm,
and the never-ending night.
Let this life keep right on rolling,
like the pages of some book;
content with passages of time,
for the world, one long last look.

Some night, I'll stay awake,
to hear the coyotes howl;
listening in the dark,
to nightly creatures prowl.
One day, I'll sail away,
to a far and distant land;
and ponder in my dreams,
God's great and awesome plan.
I've always been a dreamer,
a traveler in my mind;
escaping life's illusions,
to see what I would find.
Always searching, always seeking,
for unexpected treasure;
a vagabond of sorts,
in which I take my pleasure.
Some night, I'll board that ship,
from where there's no return;
on that mystery boat of death,
where I'll live again...or burn.

How glorious Your truth Lord
from the dawn of our creation
from the beginning of all time
you formed each separate nation.
How wondrous is Your beauty
that flows to every  shore
that firmament of sky
that leads to heaven's door.
How beautiful the night
that shines in every star
that galaxy of diamonds
that we  see from afar.
How majestic is Your truth Lord
from Your written word
from Your mighty voice
like thunder, we have heard.
How magnificent Your glory
to those that heed Your call
to those that are forgiven
from their lowly fall.

In the shadows of the twilight
I will take my daily walk
and thru passages of time
to my Savoir,  I will talk.
I will talk and He will listen
how went the passing day
whether good or bad
from Him, I will not stray.
From His word I will not waver
to that still small voice inside
that keeps me true and humble
from my arrogance and pride.
Darkness now approaches
fading fast, the golden light
the stars appear in Glory
announcing His great Might.
Gazing at the evening sky
I accept what will transpire
leave mute, the question why
praising Him, whose truth is higher.

Your love was almost warm
just like a summer breeze
that ruffled up my hair
as it hop-scotched through the trees;
Your love was soft and sweet
like cotton-candy tasted
I licked it slow and steady
so nothing much was wasted;
Your love was like a dream
so credible and true
but reality was broken
by things that were not true;
Your love was most deceiving
here today and gone tomorrow
now forgotten happiness
and a river full of sorrow;
Your love was grand deception
and ended in confusion
proving love is blind
and master of illusion.

The heat comes, in little waves,
lapping at my neck and shoulders;
my search for shade is futile,
I walk amongst the boulders.
Their granite faces solemn,
standing mute above me;
I escape the burning breezes,
and set my spirit free.
The heat seeps through the air,
there's only scattered shade;
I wish for pools of water,
the image quickly fades.
Not much water in the desert,
only dried up pools of muck;
there's no freedom from the heat,
I'm simply out of luck!

The desert, slowly grows on you
there are no trees in all that space
the sun was so hot, like an oven
and of a cloud, there was no trace.

But then one night, I camped outside
there was no noise, no planes, no cars
suddenly, I was startled out of sleep
God, I could almost touch the stars!

I'd never seen the Milky Way so close
I marveled at its clarity of light
that set the universe aglow
what a grand and awesome sight!

One spring I saw, the cacti all in bloom
saw a mesa, rise to kiss the evening sky
saw a flaming sunset.  in the west
that made me want to shout (or cry).

The desert has a beauty all its own
from a view a hundred miles away
at first, I wanted desperately to leave
but now I've changed my mind, I'll stay.