The Morning After

Sunlights paper-thin orange leaves-
flaming Japanese lamps.
Dappled Monet droplets-
sprayed lemon juice
onto the ocher desert floor.

A mourning dove descends,
a flurry of silver before 
it regains its regal composure
atop the coyote fence.

Dog's upturned nose
robs the wind of its scent
and the distant hills burn red,
leaving in their wake jagged charcoal tips.