Ray-zing Arizona

“Each ray of sunshine is seven minutes old,”   
An article in the New York Times reported.

So when I look at the sky, I see the past?   
Yes, especially on a clear day like today.

Suddenly on the trailhead to Tom Thumb Mountain,   
the sliding doors of the fog are opened.

The sun-dazzles.  
Wild grasses make the earth whiten 
drawing contrast with the mineral-hard 
colors of the earth and rockscapes.   

                     *   *   *

I tell Scout, "Did you know the flowers   
of the saguaros bloom only at night?”
She gives me a knowing look like,
"Well, we are five hours too late."

The saguaros have opened themselves, 
stretched out their arms 
to rays millions of years old.

Off we go.