Heat

the wind on the dunes-
playful fingers turning the
pages of my book
–
wet towels-
bare feet
on my dash

in the line of fire
standing while the others fall
I am bulletproof
–
rising smoke-
the doe startled
bounds away

a cool ocean breeze
comes onshore and brings the taste
of salt to my lips
–
low tide-
footprints of gulls
in the wet sand

pinpoints of starlight
fall from the firmament and
streak across the sky
–
midnight-
lines of fire
split the sky

my head in your hands
your eyes locked on mine pushing
hard against my lips
–
ripe cherries-
the sweet taste
of your seduction

staring down into
another empty bottle
devoid of answers
–
august sun-
tumbleweeds across
a dry creek

a candle and spoon-
the bare bulb above her head
casts a harsh shadow
–
on the corner-
slowing headlights
catch the rain

a cool cloudy night-
the horizon aglow with
fingers of lighting
–
dry lightning-
fire licks the walks
of the arroyo

warm and supple light-
long trails of candle wax drip
and pool on the floor
–
candlelight-
shadows buffeted
by the wind

sawdust on the floor-
the earthy aroma of
horse manure and hay
–
a saddle blanket-
riding bareback
in the tall grass