Desert Morning

Here I am, sitting.  Listening.
 Watching as the desert wakes up.

 The sky turns a wisp of clouds 

 from crimson to pink to golden

 as the sun rises.

The birds are awake,
calling out to each other,

 and the morning is so quiet, 

you can hear the beat of their wings 

 as they flit from one cactus to another.

I get out and walk into the desert
 and catch a glimpse

 of a bright yellow breasted bird.

I hear what sounds like a woodpecker
 in the distance

and rustling in the underbrush 

as animals begin their day.

There air is calm and silent

as the sun begins to
warm the mountains 

in the distance.

As the sun makes it way

up into the sky

shining down, 

warming my skin,

I can feel the intensity 

of the desert sun

and know it will be 

a warm, sun-filled day.