Chihuahuan Desert
Nature Center &
Botanical Gardens
Open 9-5
Mon., Tues., Thurs., Fri., Sat.
Purchase tickets online
at www.cdri.org
43869 St. Hwy 118, Fort Davis, TX 79734 432-364-2499
BIGGEST
SELECTION
West of the Pecos
Open 10am to 9pm
Mon - Sat
605 E Holland Ave • Alpine
432.837.7476
www.twinpeaksliquors.com
Hebert’s
Heirlooms
& Resale
Antiques & Collectibles
Old & New
1250 N. State Street
Fort Davis
432-426-3141
hebertsheirlooms@yahoo.com
POETRY
by JIM WILSON
OCEANSIDE OBELISK
With plan, pail and shovel
I crafted a beach sand tower
an altar to artistry
a showpiece of proper structural
design.
Firmly footed pedestal,
Circular column growing with
each bucket deposited,
sealed with packed sand gilding,
pointed peak higher than my head.
I worshipped the tower,
monument to my engineering,
gift to the universe
available to all pilgrims
and as I knelt beneath its majesty
I heard a buzz, a murmur, a wail—
the mingled cries of every shackled
grain of sand
yearning to break free
longing to be
a single nondescript entity
on an ever-changing beach
SURVIVAL OF THE FLITTEST
Drawn to the aroma of sweet nectar
beckoning from the bell
of a blood red trumpet vine blossom,
two ruby throated emerald green
Apache helicopters,
planning inevitable preculinary
combat
hover warily at a chosen petal
portal.
Dozens of wall flower,
virgin bell blossoms
wink coyly nearby.
Desire—anger—aggression—
violence—fear—retreat-—then
with one challenger subdued or
bluffed
the victor’s lust for self-indulgence
can be smugly satisfied.
Natural traits of the animal
kingdom.
Don’t deny them. Don’t apply them.
With a whir and a flit and a love
you,
rise above them. Admire the grace
of the single hummingbird spectacle.
22 Cenizo Summer 2020
Find another of God’s creatures
to exemplify proper social
interaction.