California

Warm sun beats down
into clear blue water.
Golden sepia hills
climb to the snow capped peaks
of glimmering, rocky, mountains.
The mountains reach
up into the azure sky,
into the clouds,
into the heavens.
A green valley grows,
an oasis in the deserrt.
Large palms
spurt out of a sun-baked sand.
Golden sand
glitters in the warm desert sun.
Luscious grass
grows nearby. I lay on the grass,
soaking into it,
staring up at the palms.
This is California
I lay on the beach,
golden waves course across fine sand.
In the distance
a dolphin dives into the pacific's blue.
Cliffs climb out of the sea,
reach into the sun,
form an enclave,
and protect me,
in this paradise.
This is California
A trolley's bells ring
into sunny hills.
Between the buildings it tunnels,
stretching down to the bay.
Seals bask
on empty wood pallets,
floating in the harbor,
as boats cruise silently in.
A flaming red bridge,
a gateway to the bay,
stands sentinel over the city.
This is California
Enormous sequioias
reach into the sky,
spreading their wings,
taking flight
from the calm forest below.
Squirrels chatter
as they gather their food.
Eagles soar
far above this world of peace.
This is California
Paragliding above
a golden city,
a golden shore,
a heavenly sea.
Lush trees grow,
a grove of Eucalyptus
shades the undergrowth.
This is California
A killing machine rules,
a movie star,
governor.
Movies are made,
people are coerced
with money and power,
wealth and position.
Beauracracy defiles
this perfect place,
this land where the elements meet.
Earth, sea, and sky.
A land of dreams,
of hope,
of pride,
of future.
This is California