THE PAINTED MOUNTAIN

THE PAINTED MOUINTAIN

Misty grassy meadows,
   belly herbs and shrub,
rising trout in rippling streams,
   home of bear and cub.
Perky squirrels, chipmunk, deer,
   coyote, beaver, sheep
fox and elk on golden bluff
   of daisy-jeweled deep.

Tiny moss basks in the sun
   white tuffs of yellow, blue
leapfrog rocks with lofty crags
   like children two by two.
Spider webs and fluffy fern,
   mushrooms marching time,
endless with the hemlock, birch
   and ponderosa pine.

Blackbird, eagle, hawk and owl,
   blue jay, robin, quail -
meadow lark and cardinal
   grace the wonder trail.
Higher hearts begin to pound.
Dizzy headaches spin,
   but the sound of silence calls
and moves the hearts within.

Gurgling streams and whispering winds
   sigh harmonic tones.
Far beyond the canopy
   grumbling thunder groans.
Rain and fury lash the branch -
   lightning streaks the sky,
purple-fingered majesty
   beautifies the eye.

Silver lakes and valleys deep,
   snow-whipped creamy crowns,
clawing clouds of creeping fog
   through roller coaster ground.
Here no billboard, neon sign
   stalks with smoke or smog.
Here the mind and heart in prayer
   communicate with God.

Carmine Lombardo