It’s only fair to start the New Year with a confession. Yes, dear reader, I’ve been unfaithful!

You see, an old flame has returned, rekindling my passions and stealing my attention. And who is this irresistible mistress?

None other than the Sonoran Desert itself.

Neville’s blog has long celebrated the North American landscape. On his stage we sing the praises of majestic skylines, natural wonders, and iconic landmarks across the Continent.

Yet, while these breathtaking wonders have commanded our gaze, something closer to home has quietly captured my soul.

Here’s my transgression: In preparation for summer travels, I’ve been walking and hiking through the Sonoran Desert near my home. In an attempt to get into better shape, hiking has become part of my routine. But those rugged trails have done more than strengthen my legs—they’ve swept me off my feet.

And my confession? I’m falling hopelessly back in love with the arid landscape and natural beauty of the desert. Its splendor—raw, bold, and endlessly captivating—has seduced me anew.

So, what’s a smitten soul to do? Naturally, I’ve composed a little love poem to honor my rediscovered romance.

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Sonoran Mistress

Wake, dreaming desert, awake,
your heat I can’t deny,
upon you I trespass, parched I sigh.
I wander, Piestewa within sight,
I weary traipsing, no strength to fight.

Off with your wildflower sash,
the moonlit glow enticing,
Expose your purple sage, pedals raising!
Unwrap the draped mistletoe, which you wear,
permitting dazed snowbirds to stop and stare!

Your manta may fall,
like saguaro moon shadows tall,
And golden dusk on quartzite bolder shed.
Drop your needle crown,
the dry winds protective crest,
Let the wild tangles of your hair be rest.

Unwrap your ocotillo shawl,
for the chime of cicadas tell
It’s time for nightfall, in this dry, hot spell.
Agave cascade along rocky crevasse,
exposing verdant ripples along salt flat.

Now slide off your moccasins.
Toe the sandy earth,
The arroyo brings warmth to birth.
In tangles of starlight, where scorpions lay,
Beneath this starry sky, aglow as day.

Though spirits drift,
cloaked in desert patina,
Scorched passion under lunar arena.
Let your gnarled branches roam,
For here, I’ve made my home!

O my Sonora! My virgin living soil!
My sun burnt kingdom,
baked by countless solar broils.
Dear Tonto treasure, endless pastel skies—
allow me to encroach such private delve.

To trespass upon you is to be free,
So let my thighs wander, let my eyes see!
Bare to bare, joy’s full mystery.
Like the dry stream’s truth,
where canyon wash dares pour forth.

Apache Tears as snowbird’s seek,
Distract the fools, their covetous peek—
But in this canyon, times flow deep.

The sands, wind tossed, expose tossed shards

and turquoise gems in the star light

of the velvet night.

Among ancient, engraved graffiti,
the desert’s secret scroll,
Wise are those who ponder your soul.
Now cast aside your tatters, my sultry muse,
the coyote calls, no time to lose.

I laze, exposed, starlight quenched.
Nestled among the clutched mesquites.
Let our tempest cease,
our heartbeats steady.
Passions at peace,
The arid breath so gentle in my ear.

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Do you have your own secret passions with the landscapes you have encountered in your travels? Please feel empowered to share them in the comments section.

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Cheers, nca