Brian Rihlmann

ELEMENTAL

a geologist once explained to me

about igneous intrusions

and volcanic plugs—

how pressurized magma squeezes

between layers of sediment

and solidifies into dark shapes that remain 

long after the surrounding rock

has crumbled away

now, as I drive the Nevada desert

as the hypnotic hum of the open road 

sends my mind on a pilgrimage 

and the mountains and valleys

become mirrors 

that reflect my secret face

I see once again

these recalcitrant beasts

rising monstrously 

from the plains

jagged like canines

or smooth as a whale’s belly

they stand as stubborn reminders

of elemental inconveniences

they cast long shadows

and laugh at superstition 

at prayers for floods

glaciers

gravity

they mock lifetimes

and scoff at generations 

of chipping away

with our tiny hammers

well aware of their reason

and their necessity

Brian Rihlmann was born in New Jersey and currently resides in Reno, Nevada. He writes free verse poetry, and has been published in The Blue Nib, The American Journal of Poetry, Cajun Mutt Press, The Rye Whiskey Review, and others. His first poetry collection, “Ordinary Trauma,” (2019) was published by Alien Buddha Press.