Phantasm

   by Nadine Lockhart
	


He follows her trail of light, gathering 
mountains in the rear view—naked, 
having cast off their summer green, 
the next rain only a theory.

In a terrible drought of his own, 
she recognizes the gaunt face of a wolf 
disguised as a man. It moves her to pity 
and prayer. 

Our Lady, the Virgin appears—
mural in sienna, a “Rosetta” of symbols 
and flowers tell him where to park. 
He’s on his knees for some reason.

She hands him water from a plastic cup. 
He suggests a café where they can sit, kiss 
recklessly . . . fall in love. His knees hurt. 
Somewhere on the Sonora, a lost bandana 
dies of thirst.