The Heart of the Man

Whirling dust devils,
guiding pirates to hidden treasure.
Expensive tent,
tumbling across the desert.
Horned monsters giving water,
to the soon-to-be dead.
Hippies and freaks,
fishing on a dry lakebed.

Dry feet cracking,
from harsh alkali.
Watch and wallet replaced,
with a “where?” and a “why?”
Aluminum palm trees
shading the mass.
Naked man in the dark,
turning sand into glass.

Motorized pig, shooting fire
from its flank.
Everybody’s welcomed,
with a hug, and a spank.
Love is given,
at the wave of a hand.
Tribal drums pounding:
the heart of the man.


by Mike Rossow

About the author: Tales From the Playa

Tales From the Playa

Tales From the Playa are dreams and memories of events that took place at Burning Man, as told by participants. Submit your story here.