On the Rim of Time

CATHEDRAL

A

s I hiked the forest
along the mountain slopes
beneath a canopy
of hemlock, fir and cedar
I stumbled upon a pristine glade
hushed in the stillness of the wild
and luminous with filtered light.
It was carpeted with oxalis and trailing grass
and scattered clumps of wild violets.
At the center
a stand of alpine orchids sprung
their two white petals and spotted tongues
emerging from their bracts.
Perfection in its native place
a small cathedral
I dared not enter
for fear I would defile
the unspoiled beauty
of its natural state
I could only stand in awe
and think
that I would never find
any hallowed ground
more worthy of my prayers.

--------------------------------------------------

ONSET

N

ew snow has sifted along
the ragged mountain tops
and fills the creases dropping
from the rugged slopes.
The moody clouds are bent
as if huddling against the cold.
The leaves are down
and a chill capricious wind
makes them dance and swirl
until the whipping rain
mats them to the ground.
Another winter looms ahead
with its short and dreary days.
They say that spring will follow.
But no one has promised me
another spring
and I may not be here
when the crocuses
next raise their heads
or later
when the greening comes.
I have no lock
upon the coming spring
or even this winter’s end.
So I must take each day
as a precious gift
and extract from it
whatever treasure I can find.