The trail to the peak was a long and arduous climb

Which skirted a pristine glacial lake about midway.

Shimmering below, it offered a cooling balm for the heat

And a picturesque spot to rest and refuel for a while.

A short down-climb led to a high cliff that overhung the depths

Of aquamarine waters; crystal clear, revealing a rocky bottom.

Chartreuse lichen grew from the wetted rock face

While damsel flies of cerulean hue darted to and fro.

In the shade of a small oak we were content to eat our lunch.

From our vantage we watched the cutthroat trout feed;

Rising to a caddis hatch. Splashes of watermelon, coral and saffron

Under their jawlines divulged the source of their strange name. 

Fronting the shore, a spacious open meadow served as a refuge.

A doe and twin fawns lay surrounded by tall grass and wild flowers.

Tangerine bells, snow-white lupine, 
And purple daisies with lemon eyes

In hues of lavender and lilac covered the park in waves.

After a short dip in the icy waters, 
We took a few moments to gather our things

And reflect on the beauty and grandeur of this unknown retreat.

Truly we were blessed, our bodies, minds and souls rejuvenated

As we climbed the slope to continue our trek to the snow-capped peak.

Empty Nest

The old bird sits
Surveying nest and tree,
Mama flits and flies about
An hundred errands left.

His memories are a thousand scenes,
Bereft of ordered source.
Not random, but in retrograde
Recap a season’s end

     Materials gathered 
     Woven tight 
     Feathered, warm with down

     Hatchlings screaming
     Growth and learning
     Fledglings flap and gone

The old bird sees an empty nest
While mama flits and flies
A season closed, a longing pride
Begins to fill his breast.