NATURE FIX
acquainted, survived, camping trip; seventeen
in 69; high school; five crazed; a mass deed
Frisbee flaps backpacks, footing sand; old beast’s rock
dinosaur footing; flying discs; some caught
what I knew; I was lost; where I was; feeling freed
we found charm, passion play, bathing warmth; agreed
fifteen years pass; never knew where I was;.. crave
same sense of freedom; forgot Utah; enslave
spirit appeal spell; back you same, I come call
girlfriend; come circumstance; surprised me; cure-all
where’s this,… I say;… she smiles;… this is you
heart filled my throat; eye’s full, teared, un glue
remember this time, passing through;… what a view
not quite the same, but… yes!…nature’s same brew
explore it I did; every month; eight year run
all alone, heart found heaven; giddy earth fun
marriage came, three years, into love; being one
bond was complete; I was whole, unbounded son
the connection to nature, comes endless, where bound
the essence of space, surrounds maze beauty, on ground
so far, speak in general; prepare you, fore now
hang on to your seat, nature’s coming, out loud
three thirty; Friday, past work; heading due
springtime is Moab, Utah; highway groove
exit I-70 to Cisco; ghost town
the back way, down canyon
Colorado River, hooks round
getting close, to crossing bridge
feel, bit guilty; work hostage
crossing bridge, comes canyon sun
warmth rolls in; focused;…….I come
an instant; remember?… lost guilt; it’s gone
I’m free once again; I’m absorbed; so long
thirty minutes, Fisher Canyon, rusty reds, crimson dust
heart is pounding, anticipation, blood skies excite; thrust
four wheeling, hot sand soft; place pup tent bed; dark
morning; awake; step out unbelieving; embark
circle 360, pan eyes round twice; not a sound
standing stare; sensing calm; surreal, all around
my soul steps, outside of self; seats upon ground
land is sacred; feels home; soul comfort; uncrowned
observe, as I do, there is nothing to hear
no sound; my breathing; peace upon ear
no insects, no bugs, no birds, no litter
the moon, with warmth, it’s color; glitter
rouge reds; bedding, prickly mint greens
streams turn dry wash; tread path; my dreams
breakfast tastes; miraculous; potatoes and corn
sublime place; dessert-ed; stomach, eyes; reborn
tidy up camp; pack water, figs; lets go
sky’s a cobalt blue; can feel, the airflow
I sense I’m compass; all views stretch to me
I center, this universe; all things still; beauty
essence I share; my own; nature’s take
together in stride; freeing; comes wake
excite flutters in; turns corner, comes again
all senses are battered, renew again, again
sun is so patient; rays hang me all day
low on my water, turn around;… OK
2 o’clock high; I need shade; come inside
still all alone, undisturbed; I am fried
perfect; my 4 wheel ride; snacking civilization
ahh….turn key, press air condition; pack up; a blazon
next stop; not sure, who cares, lets cruise; all prime
one mile an hour, set camp; fore; night time
magic sets; casting goblins and hoodoos; twilight
interval; outfit, quiet symphony; sky night
campfire before dark, leads light show parade
one lawn chair, folded out; formation; invade
lean back, iPod music; moon reflects, clouds are vast
streaming per hour, angled cross sky; stars recast
silhouette; rock monsters; horror sets in
show now begins; buckle up; wrap your skin
campfire to coals; lights out, now you see
God’s creation unfolding; my movie for free
inspired and tired, eyes slant; happily
unzip door to bed; flashlight; assure me
middle of night, I’m up to go; relieve
chilly encore awaits, enchanted eve
walk in the moonlight, is mandatory
frogs pop from sand,
water filled; expand
ice cold to touch, about 2 inches round
place back in dry wash; or swallow them down
just kidding; I’m laughing; can’t you see
left the soy sauce, at home; not with me
morning comes; fulfilled; two nights and one day,
all that I need; feeling full, free; end-play
seeking last task; must engage, before gone
town burrito; T-shirt; souvenir icon
turn right, Colorado river; Moab is done
backtrack Fisher canyon; thank God
fulfilling fun
About the Author: Dave Ryan is an artist, photographer; (retired) age 61…writer (an attempt; having fun). Grew up in Boulder, Colorado; USA; currently living in South East Asia. Photos from Moab, Utah. More poems on his website, geniusiseasy.