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As longtime readers of Arizona Highways know, we once published user-submitted poetry in the magazine. We no longer do so but occasionally still receive submissions, and we're happy to share them on our blog. Enjoy.

Desert Dwell
By Dylan James Sweet

The desert dwellers know
These summer months are hell, only two more to go
Sixty days of sweltering heat
Sweaty bodies, short tempers, shorter shorts, and burned feet
Taking the trash out, turns into more than a chore
Its a daring adventure
For the sun radiates without care 
Beating down onto all, whether skin dark or fair
My home, this city of Phoenix
Where hope abounds, even in the meanest
Of circles and faces
Of all walks and all races
Everyone's different phases
Affected by the same
The bright star that blazes

Time rules all, all but the weather
The weather in fall, can be somewhat clever
Rivaled to spring, when its perfect not better
The heat of the summer, is relieved when its wetter
Monsoon storms roll, powerfully dense
Quenching the desert, ever so slightly relieving our stress
For a slice of happiness comes with ten degress less

Seasons so drastic
Our culture's fantastic 
My home is unique, this desert, this casket
This womb, this nest, this bountiful basket
Plump and ready
But this fruit will never be picked
Americas greatest desert city
So glad it exists

Barbie, the iconic Mattel doll, is promoting tourism to Arizona through Instagram. 

Visit Arizona has teamed up with the @BarbieStyle Instagram account to showcase the Grand Canyon State.

The account has more than 2 million followers. According to Mattel, it was created to "celebrate Barbie as a global icon in the digital age." 

Barbie started her Arizona adventures at the Mountain Shadows Resort in Paradise Valley, hanging poolside with a friend. She has also been to Horseshoe Bend, Antelope Canyon and Sedona. 

In an interview with The Arizona Republic, Debbie Johnson, director of the Arizona Office of Tourism, said, “We often work with influencers to market Arizona to niche travel audiences. Barbie is an iconic global brand and this was a serious marketing opportunity for us. Her 2 million Instagram followers represent a young demographic we want to introduce Arizona’s beauty to."

Barbie will be in Arizona through Friday, so we'll see where the adventure takes her to end the week.

A wildfire burning near Prescott had grown to about 7,000 acres as of Wednesday morning.

The Cellar Fire was sparked by a lightning strike around 5 p.m. on Sunday. It is burning 16 miles south of Prescott, in the Prescott National Forest.

At this time, the fire is not threatening any homes or other structures, but it could grow with windy weather conditions. People in the Prescott area can expect to see smoke and haze from this fire for the next couple of days.

Yavapai County officials say there is currently no need for evacuations, but residents in the Pine Flat area have been told to be ready in case that changes. Several road closures are currently in effect, including the junction of Forest Road 52 and Forest Road 261 south to the junction of Forest Road 52 and Forest Road 361. 

As a reminder, recreational drones are prohibited near wildfires and can result in a fine for the operator. 

More information about the Cellar Fire and updated conditions can be found on the InciWeb website.

OdySea Aquarium in Scottsdale has become the first attraction in Arizona to become a Certified Autism Center.

This designation is granted by the International Board of Credentialing and Continued Education Standards. It means that visitors and families with children who have autism can enjoy the best possible experience catered to their needs.

OdySea Aquarium had to complete critical required training to recognize the needs of guests on the autism spectrum, as well as provide necessary facility options for the demographic.

"We know families with children on the autism spectrum often find it challenging when choosing an attraction to visit,” said Greg Charbeneau, vice president and general manager at OdySea. “Our mission to connect visitors with the wonders of the ocean has no exclusions. We have always made the necessary accommodations to make all guests as comfortable as possible — on every visit. This certification was a natural step for us as we continue to provide safe, engaging and memorable experiences for all of our guests."

Prior to this accreditation, OdySea became PAL certified, hosted autism awareness days and offered a quiet room for guests who needed a break from the aquarium floor. There was also a special video on the OdySea website giving families insight into what they could expect during a visit. Guests with special needs have always been encouraged to request help to make their visit enjoyable.