The Painted Desert
Waiting for Summer in the Painted Desert
Lyrics
The Painted Desert can wait till summer.
The Painted Desert is not an immediate concern; it can wait until summer.
We've played this game of just imagine long enough.
Expressing weariness with the game of imagining things; seeking tangible experiences.
Wait till summer?
Rhetorical questioning the need to wait until summer.
When I'm sure the rains have ended, the blooms have gone,
Referring to a specific time when the rains have stopped, and flowers have withered.
Everyone killed by the morning frost.
Imagining the detrimental effects of the morning frost on living beings.
Is a cactus blooming there in every roadside stand
Observing cacti for sale, possibly as souvenirs, with a hint of irony regarding cowboy gear.
Where the big deal is cowboy gear won in Japan?
Questioning the authenticity of cowboy gear bought in Japan.
The Painted Desert can wait till summer.
Reiteration that the Painted Desert can wait for summer.
We've played this game of just imagine long enough.
Reiterating fatigue with the imaginative game and a desire for real experiences.
Wait till summer?
Rhetorically questioning the necessity of waiting until summer.
When I'm sure the rains have ended and the blooms have gone,
Revisiting the idea of waiting for a specific time when rain and blooms have ceased.
Everyone killed by the morning frost.
Imagining the fatal consequences of morning frost on living beings.
Is a cactus blooming there upon the Northern rim
Contemplating the existence of a blooming cactus on the Northern rim.
Or in the ruins of the Hopi mesa dens?
Speculating about the presence of a cactus in the ruins of the Hopi mesa dens.
You met a new friend in the Canyon, or so you wrote.
Referencing a new friend made in the Canyon, as mentioned in a letter.
On a blanket in the cooling sand you and your friend agreed that
Recalling a shared moment on a blanket in the sand, marveling at the abundance of stars.
The stars were so many there they seemed to overlap.
Describing the overwhelming number of stars in the night sky.
The Painted Desert can wait till summer.
Reiterating the idea that the Painted Desert can wait until summer.
We've played this game of just imagine long enough.
Expressing weariness with the prolonged imaginative game.
Wait till summer?
Rhetorical questioning the need to wait until summer.
When I am sure the rain has ended, the blooms have gone,
Ensuring a specific time when rain and blooms have ended.
Everyone killed by the morning frost.
Repeating the grim imagery of everyone being killed by morning frost.
Was a cactus blooming there as you watched the Native boy?
Reflecting on a past moment of observing a cactus while watching a Native boy.
In Flagstaff trailer court, you wrote the line:
Recalling a line written in the Flagstaff trailer court about a Native boy kicking a tumbleweed.
"He kicked a tumbleweed and his mother called him home where the Arizona moon met the Arizona sun."
Quoting a line about the Native boy and his mother in Arizona.
I wanted to be there by May at the latest time.
Expressing a desire to be present by May, questioning if that was the initial plan.
Isn't that the plan we had or have you changed your mind?
Asking if plans have changed, emphasizing a lack of communication since Phoenix or Tucson.
I haven't read a word from you since Phoenix or Tucson.
Noting the absence of any communication and seeking information on when the speaker can be there.
April is over will you tell me how long before I can be there?
Rhetorical question about the duration before the speaker can be present.
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