WIND AND SAND CREATE MAJESTIC DUNES THAT ARE CONSTANT BUT EVER-CHANGING, THEY MOVE ACROSS THE DESERTS, SING TO THE WIND AND INSPIRE OUR CREATIVITY – PROF. WAYNE ARMSTRONG
The harsh, hot winds blow across the dry, high desert Mojave landscape, Constantly, relentlessly; Devil Winds, say some tribes of Indians. others call it Diablo.
In the Pacific Northwest, the winds are called Chinooks,
and in France it is known as the Mistral,
While in Austria and Germany, the Winds are called The Foehn;
But in California, everyone recognizes the Santa Anas,
which, strictly speaking, must be gusting
at least 25 knots to be an authentic Santa Ana.
It dries out the skin of the hardiest cowboy
and bits of sand blow into his eyes,
obstructing his vision.
Tumbleweeds blow across the scrubby desert floor
while the wind sweeps through, gaining speed
as it races through the canyons,
and the more knowledgeable travelers
scan the skies for any sign of fire.
Sandra Lee Smith
March, 2009
