the mountains are calling

sometimes a picture cannot begin 

to capture the horizon 

to wrap a frame around the sky

and trap the colour of life 

growing green and dying golden 

the misty ridges from blue to distant grey

rippling into the future like waves upon the sea

warm dappled rays dancing on the skin 

the wind making tympanic music all around 

rocky trails lead to hidden vistas

with air so clear it makes the heart ache 

just to be is enough 

let go of all the questions that remain 

open wide arms outstretched in gratitude 

today the gift of breath

the moment ripe for second chances 

from sea to shining sea

Yesterday the Pacific sea left a sand dollar, not quite round, resting on the sands of the Oregon coast. Here begins its journey, where golden beaches lapped by ice-blue waters give way to towering tree-lined cliffs. In the coming forty days it will traverse the expansive nation from state to state, the journey of an imperfect sand dollar. What adventures will it find along the way before it comes to rest on the shores of the Atlantic? The empty shell of a life that’s past, will it find a new existence in faces full of memories? All the while its simple beauty may bring a smile to hearts far and near.

The journey begins…

down the trail

the shadows are deep on the path ahead 

no voices are heard in the deep midday gloom 

but I press on for the trail must be traveled 

the narrow steps forward between me and home 

I hear not a sound save the hum of a fly and 

the scent of pine needles tickles my nose 

I drink in the forest enjoying the cool 

of the tall prickly sentinels that hush 

the brash sunshine before me behind me 

the way twists and turns and trees without number 

march mile upon mile as mind mind flits far 

I shiver a moment and sidestep some scat 

wondering now how solo I am really 

could the trunks become glass how near 

would I see that cougar or that bear observing 

my way then a breeze comes again just a sigh 

like an echo I remember the shadows 

so like the veil and could all fade away 

alone I would never be

the hiker's blessing

may you find a trail where only briars were before

may it lead you down a hill through tall trees

may the trees have sun-dappled leaves of golden green

may a bend in the path bring you to a stream

may the stream sing joyful songs over large rocks

may you rest awhile in peace drinking in the scene

may you feel your sore muscles as you rise to walk

may strength bind up your limbs and give you a second wind 

may you climb up higher than the leafy trees where pines grow

may your steps take you past the strong sentinels still higher

may the view take your breath away as you survey peaks

may each peak be kissed with snow as it rises from green slopes

may the breath fill your lungs until they burst with life

may the wind lift your arms as if you could take wings and fly

may the winding trail lead slowly home to a warm shower

may sleep wrap you in a refreshing embrace until dawn

may another day you wake to find a new trail again