Chilopsis linearis
Desert willow
Tyler Truman Julian
But for your leaves
I would forget
home, so far
away, along
the Hams Fork, where
the water runs
cold and beavers still
thrive.
You, Chilopsis,
bring shade
in lines and streaks
across the desert,
dry, begging
for water. You
flower and grow
in ways I hope
the desert will
shape me, beautiful,
Chilopsis, I find
home in you
and the birds
that I imagine
travel a thousand miles
to cool in your
shadow
and survive.
~~~~~
Tyler Truman Julian is originally from Wyoming, though he currently resides in Mesilla, NM, with his wife. He is the Managing Editor for Puerto del Sol and author of the poetry collection, Wyoming: The Next Question to Ask (to Answer), published by Finishing Line Press. For more information, visit his website: tylertrumanjulian.com.