High Hopes

The incredible botanical tapestry that blankets the shortgrass prairie and arid lands of the Llano Estacado Plateau in September always leaves me in awe. It’s age-old symphony of warm hues and exotic aromas of sage and earth urges senses to escape the daily grind and submit heart and soul to ethereal realms of the universe.

Golden crescendos of broom snakeweed embrace withered stalks of yucca campaniles. Their quiet chatter filled with nostalgic whispers of flowered spring heydays and summer monsoons buoys the afternoon hush. Even the rhythmic squeaking and clanking of sails on scattered stock tank windmills, driven by the endless plainsong of prairie winds, seems to add a measure of tranquility.

Once again, the autumnal spoke on the wheel of life marks the passage of time on the Staked Plains of New Mexico. For time immemorial the encouraging extravaganza of high plains flora—its last hurrah of summer splendor—prepares the tablelands and its denizens for winter slumber amidst unfailing covenants and high hopes for a springtide resurrection of life.

© Ilija Lukić 2026

High Hopes

Llano Estacado prairie near Clovis, New Mexico, c. 2012

Life Unburdened

When hopes, needs and quandaries trouble your mind,

     Humbly persist, seek spiritual truths;

Knock and doors to divine grace will open

     And reveal an untold realm of existence.

© Ilija Lukic 2026

Knock And The Door Will Be Opened

Catholic Chapel on Ft. Stanton, New Mexico c. 2014

Peace Of Mind

Hold dear...hopes and dreams that dwell in your hearts

And embrace milestones blessed by divine grace,

For said connection buoys your soul’s ramparts—

Keeps hope afloat amidst lifelong rat race.

© Ilija Lukić 2026

Llano Cast Away

Abandoned homestead near Broadview, New Mexico c. 2014

Salida Del Sol

A September sunrise on the Llano Estacado Plateau near the High Plains town of Clovis—on the border of the Texas Panhandle and eastern reaches of the Land of Enchantment—never fails to inspire reflection. At 4,280 feet above sea level, the cool morning ambiance with humidity in the 20s and air temperatures in the 60s belies the expected, torrid afternoon highs in the 90s.

I have a spiritual connection to and deep affection for New Mexico’s cactus-strewn prairies, boundless horizons that beckon travelers on treks across sweeping arid lands, mystical mesas and snow-capped mountains, and, most importantly the vibrant and indomitable people whose character was forged by storied and celebrated traditions built upon foundations of indigenous cultures and European ancestral legacies…bury my heart in New Mexico.

© Ilija Lukić 2026

Salida Del Sol

East of Clovis, New Mexico