Caldera

which whispers carry
wayward like time
blowing apart the sky
in the thundrous distance
tailor-made fingers
delved into my skin
hotspots glowing

the valley's greeness
belies everything

cratered

time has her way with us
I ride the wind
whispering nonsense
with absurd clarity

the burning touch
expanded upward
shapes the landscape
passengering me
in an ancient ritual

the swelling earth
and the frost heaves
eroded arced hills
flow into riverbeds
fill the reservoirs

and I always brim with awe
perched on the highest precipice
gazing below at the caldera

but when I am in it
I am more alive