A whale floats above the gorge.
It draws eyes for hundreds of miles.
Thousands of feet line the rim.
It waits to ride a flash flood.
The whale inhales afternoon monsoons.
It faces south.
It appears to be a gunmetal blimp.
It claims it was invited.
Lightning arcs around the whale.
Combined rain and snowmelt deliver a flash flood.
The whale rides the crest.
It heads for El Paso and beyond.
Unmoored magpies aid it past reservoirs.
Sandhill cranes guide it at night.
Stars brighten above the riverbed.
Whitewater strobes its flukes.
It aims for the Atlantic.
It seeks for familiar faces.
copyright © 2023 Kenneth P. Gurney
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