Thursday, June 12, 2008

New Mexico poet Keith Wilson

There's going to be a tribute To Keith Wilson reading down in Placitas, NM on June 15th. I was emailed this superb poem. So silent, so simple, aching with the weight of seasons. Brash & tender. He has written & taught in New Mexico for many years. He is the author of several books of poetry.

Desert Cenote

There is sadness among the stones
today, the rabbits are silent.

No wind. The heat bears down.
It has not rained for one year.

We have faith out here, desert
people, we wait, knowing with sureness

the swift cross of clouds, the blessings
of moisture (to deprive a man is to give

charms to him.) I love this dry land
am caught even by blowing sand, reaches

of hot winds. I am not the desert
but its real name is not so far from mine.

Keith Wilson