A year ago this coming March, Elizabeth and I had gone on a road-trip to look for spring. We took a week meandering along and among the southwest's incredible mountains and rivers. No plan for any day except to pay attention, enjoy watching the beginnings of spring, (Elizabeth taking lots of photos, of course!), to explore, and take some easy hikes. We were in familiar country. We had tent-camped throughout the area in much earlier days.We remembered the time we explored Arches National Park and had begun walking a slot canyon trail on a windy day. As we tried to pass through a narrow passageway to enter the canyon . . . the wind was so fierce that it literally blew us over. We got back up on our feet and turned back. But, that was then -
On this trip, we decided to try it again! We found the same slot canyon. It was beautiful with the wind-eroded rocks towering above us, glimpses of the blue sky ahead, contorted pines and blooming flowers lining the trail. The intense sun warmed the rock walls along the trail . . . and that was when I saw the little lizard pressed against a rock. I pretended not to see it. Here is a little poem I wrote:
* * * * * * *
Encounter Along A Path
A small, dull brown-green lizard
atop a sun-bathed red rock.
Motionless - almost.
It turns its head toward me,
then quickly away.
Motionless again - almost.
I hold my breath, watch
to see if it is breathing.
The lizard raises and
lowers its body in
a pumping motion.
I see its bright green
underside.
I step away, leave.
A small, dull brown-green lizard
atop a sun-bathed red rock.
* * * * * *
What are the ways that one captures the moments in life? Photographs, paintings, journaling, videos, poetry,
or by just holding the memories in your mind for as long as you can? And - why do it at all? Just explore, by yourself or with someone you care about . . .
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