Jewels of the Desert part 1: The sun went down as it normally is supposed to. The moon did not fail to rise, but simply delayed it's appearance for the cooler portion of the night. I normally stop to take a moment to reflect on the random happenings in this landscape. I think of a place on the other side of the world that I long to explore. There is a glint in the distance. My eyes have glazed over, but they still see. The dance and glimmer plays off of my retinas like sparkles from the most brilliant jewels I have ever seen. I think to myself that I have actually never seen anything that brilliant before. It isn't blinding and I don't have to squint. I simply let myself exists with the landscape. The beauty of the night is overwhelming. I think to myself that I am lucky to experience this desert jewel. There are many jewels in the desert if one stops to appreciate them. There is another side to everything though, an inherent duality in nature. The desert holds jewels, but if those jewels are dwelled upon too much, one forgets reality of the harshness. But then again, it is that same harsh reality, that causes people to overlook and underplay the desert's magic. All this reverberates inside of me as I think of the heat and of war and that at any moment I could cease to exist. I say a quiet prayer to God to forgive my sins. I do not fear hell, but I respect the fact that it exists. I mix religions into my spiritual prayer to my maker. I do believe he will forgive my sins and that I do not need an earthly conduit. I do not know all the world has to offer, because when it comes down to it, I am a speck. All I need to know is that there are jewels in the desert.

CR