Desert Adjustment

by Cheryl Merrick

Seeing miles and miles of desert landscape
stretching out desolately before me,
I cringed.

Could I be happy here?
With a heart longing for 
refreshing green canyons,
cool rushing water,
and towering trees arching overhead,
I began my new life in the desert.

Now a year later,
my eyes are soothed 
by the many greens of the desert shrubs,
and my heart gladdened by the exquisite beauty
of even the tiniest desert flower.

Retired One Year

by Cheryl Merrick

Seeing retired people
as people who spend
their entire day playing golf,
or wandering the world,
I'm surprised that after
 our first year of retirement,
we remain clubless
 and travelless.

It is wonderful to finally retire
from the constant strain
 of earning a living
and raising children.