Southwest Poems

DESERT COLORS

Art by Janet Tenneson

Poems by Lin Floyd

muted adobe, purple sage and green cedars

reflect the climate of this high mountain desert

pink coral sand reveals blooming cacti

red and yellow blooms followed by

prickly pear fruit to amaze one

New Mexico, truly a land of enchantment

CACTUS BLOOMS

How can a plant so strange with spines

and rough surface display such beautiful blooms?

Coming in spring then in fall to astonish,

born of drought and poor soil,

growing none the less by design

to bless and surprise desert dwellers.

HOLLYHOCKS IN SANTA FE

Red and white blooms compliment

adobe casitas-wooden framed, flat roofs

speak quietly of Santa Fe’s charm

artists combine with historical architecture

blend together in raw desert beauty

a landscape filled with traditions and mystery

TURQUOISE SHUTTERS

Precious stones sought

by early conquistadores
are reflected in turquoise

painted wooden shutters
that frame windows,

withstand heat’s extremes
sheltering early inhabitants

from nature's power

Architecture now charming

and artistic, sought after as
the turquoise stones valued

in the past. Santa Fe, home

of the artisan and artist
exudes its traditions

history reflects through
turquoise shutters.