I remember waking to the sunrise

the pink and orange hues

streaming through the curtains

dust particles floating through...

The peaceful quiet,

atop Donnell Hill

gazing out the picture window

onto the little desert town

of 29 Palms,

Hillside avenue

my childhood playground

The hours I spent

exploring in my own backyard

cactus and creosote abundantly found

tiny lizards and jack rabbits running around

I once found a tortoise in my own front yard

I had it for one whole day

before it somehow got away...

The scorching desert heat...

at times got the best of me,

going barefoot I learned not to do

running across the street to the mailbox

with burning feet taught me a thing or two

Walking the worn path through the desert

down to the bus stop ...

After school a hike back up the trail to the top

There was a dip in the road more than halfway up

every time we drove up that road

I tensed... for my stomach did flip flops...

Something I loved was a warm desert rain

The smell it created is forever ingrained

retroactive memories...

brought forth by senses

everything

I see, smell or touch

awakens a part of me

childhood moments

carried on smiles and tears

waiting for me to set them free

The good ones...the bad ones...

doesn't matter anymore...

They all make me weep

for they are so bittersweet

time to open my eyes

and truly see

the beauty of the desert

where I used to be

 ~Shannie76~