Rain-soaked prairie winds born of cheeky sass
Find harbor among chainlink cactus spines,
Weary of sun-drenched dance ‘cross seas of grass
And restless chases of far-flung skylines.
© Ilija Lukić 2026
Calf roping in rodeos is a partnership between a well-trained horse and rugged wrangler. It’s not a rough stock event like bareback, saddle bronc and bull riding. It’s a race against the clock.
Before each competitive go-round the cowboy takes time to check and ready specialized tack and a 25-foot lariat. The saddle has a low, wide horn with forward-hung stirrup to help with quick dismounts. A neck rope draped loosely across the horse’s head and neck will keep the horse facing the calf once the cowboy dismounts. Bell boots protect the horse’s hooves and heels. The short piece of rope tucked securely in the roper’s belt awaits action. Once in the arena he will use this piggin’ string to tie three of the calf’s legs. A final half-hitch knot—hooey in rodeo parlance—secures the legs, which signals completion of the run and stops the clock.
Albeit overwhelmed by the din of a raucous Pioneer Days Rodeo crowd in Clovis, New Mexico, spoken and unspoken words of encouragement between said partners linger on whispers of hot afternoon winds.
© Ilija Lukić 2026
Indigenous cultures of Oregon, like the Hood River Wasco and Chinook, have long revered the Multnomah Falls gorge and cascading waters as a place of spiritual power. In oral traditions the sacred waters and mists embody the spirit of a young native woman, whose prophesied sacrificial leap from the crest of the sheer cliff on her wedding day saves friends, family and tribe from a gruesome plague. Her grief-stricken father entreats his spirit guide Yul-mah, acquired on a vision quest, to intercede with sky spirits and ask for a sign honoring her sacrifice. Mystically, daylong somber and mist-laden skies opened in the golden hour at sunset and gave us Multnomah Falls—a breathtaking refuge.
© Ilija Lukić 2026
Starlit skies invite fond tree frog chorus,
While fireflies drift on sultry night airs,
Till rolling thunder in skies above us
Quiets halcyon summer-night affairs.
© Ilija Lukić 2026
A sense of wonder is the cornerstone of wisdom.
Some years ago my daughters, wife and I hike the Trail of Ten Falls in Silver Falls State Park, Oregon. We pause in awe at each cascade, enraptured by the soul-stirring quietude of plunging water.
My younger daughter, an avid and creative photographer, captures one such moment where my imagination takes flight—an image worth a thousand words. It is a moment where my curiosity soars and mind opens with a humble desire to understand the depths of the universe and profound mysteries of Creation.
As I look back and recapture the feeling at said milestone in my life-long journey of self-discovery, I wholeheartedly reaffirm my enduring resolve never to lose my sense of wonder—the key that unlocks a sublime compass, which guides my heart and soul’s quest for meaning in life towards the heart of the universe.
© Ilija Lukić 2026
Thunder Moon reigns mid Dog Days of Summer,
Stirs dark winds of fate to push me astray,
Yet, sways me to follow my heart’s drummer,
While Dog Star in night skies shows hallowed way.
© Ilija Lukić 2026
