anticipating the day through foggy brain, sleepy eyes
morning air slighty warm as
sun begins diffusing light from behind mountains

through winding road, through a treacherous pass
the outstretched arms of the haaschin extended in greeting
hundreds of cactus are seen for miles over desert floor

as we near the saguaro camp, ramada made from haashin ribs,
metal cots piled high with blankets, cooking pots over
makeshift fireplace, a home in the desert!

smiling, radiating friendly enery
demonstrates with picking tool, showing us how to
pick precious fruit from the saguaro

determination on our faces, we head into the saguaro forest

stan and I stand beside an ageless saguaro, with cornmeal in hand
we greet the sun, offering prayers for all

from the distance as we gingerly make our way,
carefully stepping over, around, over "pokey" plants

squiggly tail left by a lizard, spotted dots moving rapidly as
numerous ants approach
where was the tail-less lizard?

abundance of juicy bajijai way up high on saguaro's head
taking the picking stick, shaking, loosening the fruit, down
it comes into outstretched bag

heeding regina's words, I bless myself with bit of fruit,
offering some to the spirits, placing some in my mouth,
tasting the sweetness, delicious fruit of the desert
placing the empty pod upward to signify replanting
I invoke the spirits to send the rain, to replenish what
was given to me

learned this day, I have connected to the culture, the spirit
of my desert relatives, I am in awe of them

Tohono O'odham people