Scorpion tail-up,
Poised to strike.
Gila Monster waddles
Next to my bike.
Javelina munch
My barrel cactus.
Bobcat saunters,
Aloof with practice.
Rattlesnake suns
Near my trowel.
When I notice
I jump and howl.
Coyotes yip
Their eerie cries.
Around every rock,
Another surprise.
Southwestern life –
Full of critters.
Desert animals
Give me the jitters.