Ode to Tucson

Dear Tucson,

I’m sorry for all of the abuse you’ve endured

That comes from my mouth

You are under-appreciated

And I don’t often express my gratitude

For your many fine features

I only complain

I love your mountains,

Rocky terrain forming jagged horizons

I love your sunsets,

Your painted colors patterning the brush-stroked sky

I love your wildlife,

Quails, bobcats, javelinas

And the more menacing ones:

Scorpions, rattlesnakes, tarantulas

I love seeing the spear bushes and palm trees

Silhouetted against the setting sun

And the desolate desert landscape

Has its moments of beauty

When the rain comes

I can’t help feeling a sense of joy

That the sun will be obscured

There are times I actually find happiness

While wrapped in you mountainous embrace

Although I miss the things that you can’t offer,

I need to be content with what I’ve got

I don’t know why I never learn

I’ve taken things for granted once before

And I swore I’d never do so again

Now I hope to make amends

You and I can come clean

Start over

Even though I’ll blister in the heat

And curse you once more

At least we’ve come to an understanding

I have to admit I did miss you a little

It’s good to be home