xeric shrublands

domesticated, rubber-encased feet pound the roan-red dust, following the just-discernible trail between fragile, frightening moon forms of desert crust. xeric, i learned, from an old word, greek – xeros – dry. over months and years, the dust masticates to produce these nubby forms, wherein precious molecules of wet hold and temper life. so powerful as to cultivate wisps of spiky verdancy in desperate aridness, so tender as to be vulnerable to an errant footfall. these feet hew to the trail churned by their most recent predecessors, trusting in their wisdom. stay on the path, feet, this earth surface is not only yours.