Close to the land at Carrizo Plains, California

After several days you know
Where to put every item for easy
Access, you remember the feel
Of air, sun, wind, cold all day

And night, the lantern hums
In that familiar way, your hair
Smells of dust and smoke,
Clothes turn dirty without notice

The food doesn’t matter now
You forget to check your watch
Can’t remember the date or day
Sleep at dark, rise at first light

Sit anywhere, stop talking
Listen to killdeer at sunset
Meadowlark calls, coyotes
At night on the hills, silence

Field of stars, no moon
Walk without light, settling.