High up the tall mountain
a cap of glacial snow
shines bright in the setting sun.

The waters lie calm between the islands,
warm air tinged with smoke
from the fires north in Canada.

Still as a hawk, I sit studying the sea,
learning to breathe with the tide
and gather in light like the gnarled trees
that line the wind stroked shore.

I’m empty of misgiving,
releasing what’s left of vanity
like snow upon the mountain
offered to the sun.

Daylight vanishes,
the Earth continues eastward
and down upon the rough hewn rock
I lay open to the stars.

 

photograph by Kyle Goetsch

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Reading of “Open to the Stars” with music by Bob Dylan

 

 

8 Responses

  1. Don, full of peace, especially appropriate for Father’s Day. Thanks, Dad/Grandfather.

  2. Thank you, Don. I love these lines:

    I’m empty of misgiving,
    releasing what’s left of vanity
    like snow upon the mountain
    offered to the sun.

  3. I love this. “learning to breathe with the tide
    and gather in light like the gnarled trees” – one with nature.

  4. Hi, father Don, I feel you relaxed and at peace, effortlessly still as a hawk, then lying down to fully drink in the beauty of our Milky Way. Thank you!

  5. Just back from West Yellowstone with Lucile & grandkids. I saw all that. What a wonderful poem. Thank you, Don.

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