(Published in The Dewdrop , December 2022)
The Way of Mountains
I practice pockets
on these mountains too.
Like I tucked in
the embarrassing moments
winding down in the world.
Moments coolly glazed
with habit;
moments too cherished
in kind.
Moments belonging
because I loved them.
Moments marked mine
by the steps
pressing up these switchbacks.
Dusty footing,
pine needles resinous
on loose gravel;
I am ready to slip.
Belonging or not,
the mountain pilgrim
moves west.
Toward or away: trust is trust.
Impartial steps are beautiful.
Rock and dust ready the end
of this and any day.
The sun holds
its
alpenglow;
goes and comes back.
I can’t forgive myself in valleys.
Clemency only rolls off the sawtooth ridge,
falling in a sky
lifted by
22,000 breaths.
Only the mountains
redeem the mysterious debt.
Only the mountains offer death
a button and thread,
and place to wait.
on these mountains too.
Like I tucked in
the embarrassing moments
winding down in the world.
Moments coolly glazed
with habit;
moments too cherished
in kind.
because I loved them.
Moments marked mine
by the steps
pressing up these switchbacks.
Dusty footing,
pine needles resinous
on loose gravel;
I am ready to slip.
the mountain pilgrim
moves west.
Toward or away: trust is trust.
Impartial steps are beautiful.
Rock and dust ready the end
of this and any day.
alpenglow;
goes and comes back.
I can’t forgive myself in valleys.
Clemency only rolls off the sawtooth ridge,
falling in a sky
lifted by
22,000 breaths.
redeem the mysterious debt.
Only the mountains offer death
a button and thread,
and place to wait.