What to Watch For
Driving up the switchbacks
in Oak Creek Canyon
he sees a sign that says,
“Watch for Rocks,”
and he wonders
if it means in the road
or tumbling down the cliffs.
Except for the clear blue
Arizona sky
and some evergreens
he can’t tell apart
at this distance,
rocks are about all
one can watch for.
Gazing at rocks
is why people come to Sedona.
They come from Moscow,
New York, and Tokyo
to stare in amazement.
As his eyes engage
the hulking, rugged view,
he imagines other signs inviting travelers
to “Watch for Four-leaf Pinyons”
or “Watch for Bright Sunshine”
(in the road
or tumbling down the cliffs).