In The Rut

[ThatsNotFennel]

IN THE RUT

We looked in rose-colored mirrors and saw divining rods.
Now though, that glass gone grain,
I only see sand.

I see we are some dead river, bed without water,
where coyotes sniff clay with no scent,
and smoke trees pretend at smoldering.

We are where a desperate buck bends
in irreverent rut,
and nothing more, save a map for tumbleweeds.

Easily one of the best poems I've read in awhile. Each stanza works independently and I think could stand alone - a quality I greatly appreciate in poetry. I would think about isolating the ending "save a map for tumbleweeds" - that thought is too good to stand with anything else. After my initial read I thought the first two stanzas should be swapped but after a couple more readings I'm not completely sure now. Might be something to play around with.

I don't have any big issues with the wording or structure - I actually just really like this poem.

Thanks,
ThatsNotFennel