Surviving the Desert by Jessica Joy Reveles

Surviving the Desert

Jessica Joy Reveles

You and I were busy
becoming pirates in the desert,
cumulous clouds surrounding our rose and sienna

mottled landscape, palm tree yucca,
leopard lizards darting over and under
so little treasure.

There wasn't a way to tell you
I'd lied about the salt flats,
wanting nothing but mirage,
fearing the dunes, the northern slope,

numbering our days
until the sun failed to make us sweat,
until the soles of our shoes
exposed stone feet.
I could have gone on

tracing the shape of your heart with my tongue,
like taproots searching for water;
we were becoming strangers though,
unable to remember the arroyo.

Your limbs stretched
along the desert floor,
a vain attempt at escaping erosion.

We were busy sinking ships in the sand.

Jessica Joy Reveles brings over 10 years of professional writing and editing experience with an emphasis on fashion and beauty. From social media and web content to proposals and training manuals, Jessica delivers expert copy and seasoned results. She is adept at performing research and additionally has experience in instructional design.

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