Remnant of a Lost Waterfall

dust scatters from a rear tire
penetrating the porous mesh that protects me
a leaf falls along the side of the road
bearing the bones of a doomed soldier

river beds empty
with polished stones baking in the sun
grazing pastures fading
from green to brown to dust

a steer lies down for eternal rest
a feast for condors, flies, and earth
the cycle continues, a leaf falling yet again
amidst the remnant of a lost waterfall