Grand Canyon

Large sandstones form a platform for the viewers.

Pinyon and juniper—the curtains.

A sharp ridge—the stage.

The variegated canyon wall

and pale blue sky as the painted backdrop. 

I couldn’t say it was beautiful,

not like mountains on an autumn evening.

Nor could I say it was my favorite place,

not like a shady creek and a rustic bridge.

It wasn’t somewhere I’d return often

to while away my time.  

It was more of a spectacle

valued for its sheer size

and audacity,

like a giant space alien had take a bite out of the earth
and we had just come to stare at the teeth marks.