Rhythm Old as Time - Redux

By Gloria Horton-Young

“Who are we, really? It's the kind of question that gnaws at you while you're trudging through Red Rock Canyon, possibly lost in the rough, indifferent terrain, definitely wrestling with the broader existential landscape just as much as the merciless one sprawling before you. We're essentially a collection of stories, aren't we? The kind you might confess over stiff whiskey in a dim, smoky bar or spill out in the raw, vulnerable hours of a long, solitary drive back to the chaos of the city.” - From “It’s Complicated: Who are we, really?” by Gloria Horton-Young

The post below was shared with us and published back in May. It was written by the gifted poet and astute commentator on the human condition, Gloria Horton-Young. Gloria has since gone on to pen many thought-provoking and exquisite pieces on everything from Sex, Faeries, and Thunderbolts (no we’re not going to tell you what it’s about) and the history of the women’s movement to Stormy Daniels and the 2024 election. But none is more touching than her posts about the natural world, which she enters with the same wide-eyed wonder and questions with which she approaches the rest of life. Thank you again Gloria for sharing this poem with us.

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Desert.
the clean sharp scent fills me— 
a blend 
sun-warmed stone 
parched earth 
the green resinous tang of hardy plants 
home
here
.
wild untamed smell as ancient as the land
a perfume that speaks
of endless vistas
untold secrets whispered on the wind
.
Sun climbs.
Higher.
Her rays paint 
canyon walls a symphony 
of light 
and shadow
.
angles and planes of rock 
shift 
change 
reveal 
hidden depths 
secret places 
a cliff looms 
stark
imposing
then
delicate tracery of light
dances 
softens harsh edges
.
Sun and shadow play 
an ever-changing tapestry 
beyond the skill of any hand 
as if 
the canyon breathes 
moves to a rhythm old as time 
shadows carve out cool respite 
sun-drenched expanses radiate 
heat 
unrelenting
.
Standing 
watching 
light play with dark 
timelessness washes over 
petty concerns fall away 
a profound sense of connection 
to something 
greater than myself 
in this moment 
I am part 
of the desert's story 
woven into this wild untamed land
.
Sage and creosote 
sun-shifted shadows on the walls 
vast expanse of earth and sky 
a symphony for the senses 
a love song to raw beauty 
and I 
tiny figure 
amidst the grandeur 
blessed to bear witness
.
The day stretches 
reveals more secrets 
a lizard skitters 
scales glint like turquoise 
a raven’s distant cry 
echoes 
a haunting melody that sends shivers
.
In a sheltered crevice 
a barrel cactus 
hoards water 
tenacity of life 
its spines catch the light 
cast delicate shadows 
a miniature echo of the larger play around
.
Sun at zenith
heat a palpable force 
shimmering like a mirage 
even in this scorching midday 
beauty 
red rock glows 
ember 
iron alight by desert sun
.
As day wanes 
shadows lengthen 
desert changes character
frenetic energy gives way to 
hushed expectancy 
mysteries yet to be revealed 
setting sun paints the sky 
a riot of color 
gold orange red to purple and blue
.
Liminal space between 
day and night 
desert alive in new ways 
night-blooming flowers open 
release fragrance into cooling air 
stars emerge 
diamond dust on black velvet
.
Through it all 
the desert sings 
her ageless song 
wind stone sky 
life death rebirth 
and I 
a humble guest 
grateful to have shared 
in even a small part 
of her timeless story.

Red Rock Canyon
Las Vegas, Nevada
23 March 2024

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About Gloria

Gloria is the author of the Substack, She Who Stirs the Storm where she describes herself as a, “Poet, painter, storyteller, rabble-rouser – a tempest in red lipstick. Expect provocative opinions, spirited rants, and lots of laughter. This is my playground, the rules are rewritten daily.”

An Invitation
Many thanks to Gloria for sharing how places like Red Rock Canyon have caused heer to reflect on what it means to be human. We’d love to have you join us by sharing some of your own experiences in nature as a poem, Chat Walk, photo or a short essay.

We also invite you to join our AMP community. You can learn how to take part by clicking HERE. There is no obligation to share, but if you’d feel the urge, please email your submission to AgelessMindProject@gmail.com.

Previous Nature Journal Posts

• The Cat’s Meow by Joshua Berrett

• Reasons: How nature shapes our lives by Jena Ball

• Houseplants by Lynne Berrett

• Music Infused with Nature by Joshua Berrett

• Curiosity and Love by Kate Morgan Reade

• When I Die by Audrey Roth

• Chat Walks by Jena Ball and Ginger Caldwell

• Walking Meditation by Maria Brown

• My Roots by Audrey Roth

• Exploring Nature with Beethoven by Joshua Berrett

• The Zen of Floofles by Lorraine Evanoff

• Corresponding with Nature by Phil Youngblood and Lynne Berrett

• True Synchronicity by Lorraine Tillbury

• A Magical Beethoven Experinece by Joshua Berrett

• Parallel Walking by Sheila Webber

• Luminosity by Jena Ball

• Chenonceau Castle by Lorraine Tilbury

• My First Experiment by Lynne Berrett

• Nature Journaling with Phil by Phil Youngblood

• Rhythm as Old as Time by Gloria Horton-Young

• Sing the Song of Your People by Jena Ball

• Your Journal

• Cultivating and Ageless Mind with Nature by Phil Youngblood

• A Life Shaped by Nature by Phil Youngblood

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