Perpetual painting.

Once upon a time

about five

or six

million years ago,

the world’s greatest love story

began.

Before the magnitude and magnificence

of the Grand Canyon became visible

to human eyes

the Colorado River

fell in love

with the rich red rock.

Long before

we awed

at tangerine sunsets

melting into striking strata

as vistas stretch

beyond our line of vision,

the river had a vision

of what was to come.

Meandering along the canyon floor

in glistening brown rivulets

cutting and carving channels

through chromatic crust

she never lost focus

of her dream.

Carefully caressing

the land she loved,

she stretched

her entire body

across him.

The Earth

was firm and fixed

in his ways

stubborn

to her loving touch.

She did not falter.

She knew the beauty

that lay beneath his skin

long before we could see.

Persisting

with her gentle undulating flow

the Earth softened

and allowed her

to undress him.

Soil and sediment

safe in her embrace,

she carried him

across the continent.

Giving her solid ground

beneath the myriad of tributaries

she extended over his limbs

he held her

and constellations formed explanations

for the exploration

their bodies embarked.

Two elements,

meeting and merging

passionately intertwining.

Slowly but surely

just as she knew all along

the Earth opened

revealing

his warm insides,

and exquisite layers

of vividly coloured rock.

Layer upon layer

of ancient history

held within his skin

he was venerable with his vulnerability

to expose his insides

for all the world to see.

Each stratum is a different colour

representing different eras of time,

reds

ochres

yellows

buffs

peace

war

hope

despair

intricate lines

painted

onto the walls

he let crumble

for her

for her love.

Her soft soothing strokes,

continue to deepen and widen

the canyon today

and the grandiose

of their love,

perpetually unravels,

for all

the world

to see.