Oke’s Musings: Poetry, People and Places

Category: New Mexico

  • Sandia Mountain 2

    I miss the sight of Sandia Mountain—its quiet congregation of morning clouds,brief visitors dissolving in the first light. On the bus, with the window as a frame,I witness a slow-moving masterpiece:mountain, sunrise, cloud—a trinity that feels intentional. Sandia follows me, or so it seems,a steadfast citadel keeping paceno matter which road I take.I wonder what…

  • Roses

    One bright Sunday, I came across a beautiful rose blooming unexpectedly in a quiet neighborhood on the outskirts of Albuquerque, Rio Rancho. It was a simple moment, but the charm of that surprise flower made it truly unforgettable. The striking beauty of the desert landscape shows that a single event or element can transform the…

  • Summer Nights

    Hot Days, Calm Evenings Interestingly, the winds decided to be gentle this evening. The day had been extremely hot, and I sometimes wonder if this is the exact Albuquerque that was chilly just a few weeks ago. I prefer summer evenings to the sweltering days because the heat lessens, allowing everyone to breathe a sigh…

  • Amuse: Windy Conversation

    Three incredible American states—Oregon, Vermont, and New Mexico—are hotspots for thrilling conversations about strong winds! Though I haven’t explored many states in the U.S., my brief adventure in Vermont left me breathless as I encountered some of the most powerful winds I’ve ever felt! Even the Lake Chaplain was basking in the windy euphoria. Those…

  • Love Like Spring Water

    When there was love,We saw the pretty cloudsClearer like the sweet springThat leap in delighted hasteRefreshing lands far & unknown

  • Mushroom Cloud

    This morning, I noticed a mushroom-shaped cloud in the sky. Unlike my impatient, fluffy friends who won’t wait for the camera, I am thankful that the clouds have a sense of humor. I do wonder if cloud formations reveal any significant information. Maybe not. However, I know that New Mexico is home to the United…

  • Albuquerque’s Night Rain

    The sky churns with dark, rumbling clouds, and lightning streaks behind my window curtain illuminate the night with its brief, electric glow. These raindrops are accompanied by soft claps of thunder reverberating through the air, adding to the symphony of the rain’s soft drumming. It’s my first night of rain in Albuquerque, and my excitement…

  • Tumbleweeds & Roadrunners

    On a vibrant spring morning, I spotted a tumbleweed joyfully dancing down the road, carefree and spirited. There’s something amusing about watching these whimsical plants as they roll along. They seem like playful phantoms—hollow yet surprisingly sturdy. At times, it feels as though they are at the mercy of the wind, but often, it seems…

  • Abqs Chill Weather

    I’ve noticed that the sunlight often plays hide-and-seek, like a game of “Now you see me…” I appreciate the unpredictability of the weather here. Sometimes, I see bright sunshine out the window, so I wear a short-sleeved T-shirt and shorts, only to find it chilly outside. Other times, the day looks gloomy, and I assume…

  • Patterns 2

    Patterns are woven into the very fabric of our world, often escaping our notice in the bustle of daily life. From intricate colors of feathers on birds to ethereal shapes of cloud formations that drift across the sky, from vibrant prints on textiles to subtle variations in skin and hair, they are everywhere. Over the…

  • Amuse: ‘Shadowy’ Tales

    Moonlight blankets the entire landscape, illuminating even the darkest areas. Silhouettes are cast on roads, buildings, and everything else. If you’re not careful, you might be startled by a palm tree; the shadows of its leaves can easily resemble the fingers of masked figures waiting to grab their victim. A passerby’s silhouette can also be…

  • Video: Summer Feel

    I promised to write about my recent encounters with birds, but this post is not about that. I just wanted to share some short videos I captured. Some of my followers might wonder why I post about night-related events like evening clouds, but trust me; I’m not a vampire—I take walks whenever I feel like…

  • Tale of the Wildwoods: When Summer Arrived

    I’ve got a little adventure planned! I will take you, my readers, on a delightful journey where I’ll reshare some of my favorite past blog tales and poetry (I like to call them Poetales—because a tale got married to a poem, and they gave birth to… shhh, it’s our little secret!). Tonight, I’m super excited…

  • Golden Horizons

    Today, I decided to take my evening walk a little earlier than usual. As I strolled along the familiar path, I was oblivious to the gathering clouds until I had covered about a mile. Once I glanced up, I observed how the changing temperatures influence the sky; when it gets cold, the clouds take on…

  • Chill Winds

    Chilly winds in New Mexico carry fine particles and dust, which are common wherever strong winds are present. I will discuss this in more detail in the following paragraph. In contrast to California, where I often see deer, squirrels, birds, coyotes, insects, and various species, there is little wildlife or plant life to observe here…

  • Albuquerque’s Blue Clouds

    Floating blue clouds basking in self-esteem, clear skies demonstrating their power of invisibility, and a chilly mountain climate are the norms for me here. Why not enjoy this captivating view while it lasts? I may print these beautiful New Mexico images and sign them as postcards. Like the aircraft passing above, the permanence of my…

  • Providence

    As the outdoor bulb lights softly illuminate the landscape, I can’t help but notice the wild grass gently swaying in the calm winds. The fresh scent of evening dew fills the air, creating a serene atmosphere on this beautiful desert night. Patches of brush are scattered around, and familiar shadows of the bushes dance across…

  • Amuse: Moon, Melodies, Myth, and Man

    Tonight, I tried to capture the cloud formation, but the images turned out blurry. The constant lights from the nearby estate may have contributed to this. I noticed a flock of night insects gathering around street lights. Occasionally, the insects collide with one another and fall, but they manage to catch themselves mid-air and change…

  • Muse: Moonlit Night

    The moonlit night usually creates different images in the clouds, both in its glow and in the minds of those observing it. I am a passionate observer of moonlight against the evening clouds. It reminds me of the moonlit nights filled with folktales from my home. The moon and its light are tangible aspects of…

  • Sandia Mountain

    Sandia Mountain This impressive escarpment is a natural beauty I appreciate more each time I see it. Sandia and other abundant mountains in New Mexico are essential to its splendor. The landscape, which is somewhat desert-like but not entirely desert, stretches against apparent blue horizons. I feel the vibes of the movie The Good, The…

  • Nature’s Craftwork

    I took this image two nights before Christmas and was amazed by the white cloud resembling a blue whale. I could see various shapes against the charcoal-blue horizon, but the whale was the most remarkable. I couldn’t stop admiring the magnificent view. Do you see how the tree in the center looks like a Christmas…

  • Patterns 3

    Look at the peaks; they are citadels without motionAnd crevices cut in perfect lines on the mountainsLook at trees; they dance together in the windTheir branches and leaves in peaceful unisonLook at worms; they crawl and inscribe patternsOn Earth, they author unblemished marks and signsLook at the moon, with its glossy morningsAnd the happiness and…

  • Sun, Rain, or Snow?

    It’s human nature to wish for something, such as rain, snow, or sunlight, but to wish it away when it becomes too much. Sun, rain, or snow, which do you prefer?The sun & rain I like, I’m tempted by the later Mild sunlight is a pleasure for outdoorsChill rainfall can be a great cradlesongThe earth…

  • Muse: Sunlight

    Sunrise is like music to my eyesIt is like the mountain climber’s sighThe reflection from the sunlight is goldHer warmth she spreads across the world

  • Patterns 1

    Look at those fascinating cloudsHow they fold, foam, and float awayA glimpse at their majestic patternsReveals the forms these clouds takeMountains poke up to meet the skiesTake a deep breath; the sky, the views are all yours

  • Train to Santa Fe

    Verse 1: Mountains and Vast GrasslandDry streambeds in a whileLonely cattle here and thereVast plains overlooking peaksHills grow into mountainsAnd mountains touch the clouds Verse 2: Rainfall and Gloomy CloudsThere’s raindrops on windowsA lullaby of metal and rainTunnels, bridges, creaking,The clouds play hide and seekAnd sunlight is half amused Verse 3: Villages and Happy FolksClay…

  • Amuse: Stand-off

    Sunset and a stand-off with a handsome strangerHair fuzzy, I wonder why it stood its groundOver the golden horizon, retreating birds watch the calm wagerUpon this lonely highway, time will tell who gets the upper hand

  • Albuquerque’s Balloons

    Floating colorful balloonsUp the blue-white clouds Sailing quietly away Look, there’s one with linesAnd another of different design They sail merrily away Albuquerque’s balloonsWhether one of the traditions Or just the city’s routine