Visitation

at the edge

gaze—
the water

a distorted reflection
of my still face
solemn—

dancing shadows
pull my eyes
towards the brush

beyond the cacti
fingers curl
around
stubborn thorns
peeking eyes
at the edge

the desert floor
meets my knees
the world
closes dark
and starless

i wake wet

horse drinking
and dripping
water

she sits atop
naked—
except
boots

her tongue clicks
the eyeless beast rises
facing horizon

stillness swallowed
by hooves
kicking dust
clouds

in the water
my reflection
sinks

i touch the surface

she’s there—
looking
up at me