WEBVTT

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I'd like to read I think
three more poems, one of them

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I have never read but
if I can't read it here

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I can't read it any place.

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It is called Sonora Desert Poem,
for Lois and Richard Shelton.

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I went to the desert at night
and my goodness gracious,

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I felt I have never
felt this, I felt

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that if I walked long enough I
would know where I was going.

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This is in three parts.

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One, the ones who
live in the desert

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if you knew them you
would know everything.

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They see it all that never judge
any just drink the water when

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they get the chance.

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If I could grow arms
on my scars like them,

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if I could learn
the patience they

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know I wouldn't apologize
for my thorns either,

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just stand in the
desert and witness.

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Part two, directions
for watching the sun

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set in the desert.

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Come to the landscape that
was hidden under the sea,

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look in the opposite direction,
reach for the mountain,

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the mountain will
ignore your hand,

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the sun will fall on your back,
the landscape will fade away,

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you will think you're
alone until a flash

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of green incredible light.

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Three.

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Directions for
leaving the desert.

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Push the bones back under
your skin, finish the water,

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they will notice your thorns
and ask you to testify,

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turn toward the shade,
smile, say nothing at all.

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[CROWD CLAPPING]

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