Reach for the Stars

World class scents
Rise from Sacramento
Its riverbanks and gardens,

Causing us to
Look to mountains as we sniff
Eyes wide,

Feeling a chance
To conquer the Sierras
Seduce the Coast Range.

No city has what we have
Especially at night
When Capitol’s lights go out,

And we decide
Which river to float naked on
Dreaming of the old days
Smelling barbecues,

Lusting over stars
Indians danced under
As Sutter made his rounds
Conqueror and seducer in Paradise.