Wind lashes
ponderosa
cathedral. Silver needles
rain down. Blue
peeks through solemn
shadow. Bootpath
down the center aisle, snow
halfway to
your knees. Through
stained glass windows,
a hot, flat land
you wandered 40
sunblazed days, a river
without enough left
to part.
Jaychoir squawks
at each step.
Gust tosses
one tall trunk.
It squeaks, sways,
tests faith.
Below, cross yourself,
emerge blinking
into sunlight,
the service
melting
before your eyes.
Hike: North Mystery Trail at Barro Canyon, 3-27-21
Hike length: 3+ miles
Difficulty: moderate
Trail traffic: none
Creatures spotted/heard: jays, crows, chickadees
Woman Seeks Elevation 