I'd like to read I think three more poems, one of them
I have never read but if I can't read it here
I can't read it any place.
It is called Sonora Desert Poem, for Lois and Richard Shelton.
I went to the desert at night and my goodness gracious,
I felt I have never felt this, I felt
that if I walked long enough I would know where I was going.
This is in three parts.
One, the ones who live in the desert
if you knew them you would know everything.
They see it all that never judge any just drink the water when
they get the chance.
If I could grow arms on my scars like them,
if I could learn the patience they
know I wouldn't apologize for my thorns either,
just stand in the desert and witness.
Part two, directions for watching the sun
set in the desert.
Come to the landscape that was hidden under the sea,
look in the opposite direction, reach for the mountain,
the mountain will ignore your hand,
the sun will fall on your back, the landscape will fade away,
you will think you're alone until a flash
of green incredible light.
Three.
Directions for leaving the desert.
Push the bones back under your skin, finish the water,
they will notice your thorns and ask you to testify,
turn toward the shade, smile, say nothing at all.
[CROWD CLAPPING]