Comfort from the Canyon

The sun has traveled far today,
Mapping out its course.
The sky, a chameleon
Shifting colors every hour.
We rose early,
Stepping over sleeping figures on the trail.
Hiking by the light of the moon until
A pale pink painted the sky.
The canyon walls drip with reds, oranges, and yellows;
Like a spilled palate.
A green Snake winds throughout the length of the canyon,
Trees and shrubs following the Colorado.
Pops of purple prickly pears decorate the landscape
Like dark freckles.
My Brother picks one, skins it, and we take a bite,
Deep, flowery juice dribbling down chins.
A small chalet in Phantom Ranch sells lemonade.
Tart, refreshing, twisting my tongue.
We soak in the river, relishing a short rest.
Fourteen miles to go.
My feet complain
But for the first time in weeks,
Maybe even months,
My brain remains at peace.