Leaving New Mexico

Arriving in Albuquerque
was a step back in history

with promises for a bright future

life went on as planned, television
two children and then like that
it was over, everything was left behind

heading to a new life near Kings Canyon
among the Sequoias and farmlands.

New Mexico became the past again -

tumbleweeds and lightening storms
cracked clay along the Rio Grande
scorpions hidden in the sand.

Shoulders bent from the recent beating
but still strong and determined
to use the opportunity of change

to awaken senses and capture
opportunities that can be found
in adversity. Stimulated by the challenge

of discovering blessings in life
in the face of no evidence
knowing when circumstances

bring us to our knees
it is time to pray and offer our suffering
in faith, to an ever loving god.