The Outstretched Hand

I am an explorer of ridge lines.

Of valleys whose mist rises

Like blue smoke below ancient peaks.

I am an adventurer of cold streams

Seemingly bursting from pure rock.

I am friend to the ambling black bear

The hawk circling in wide arcs

The nocturnal hunting owl

Beaver and otter.

I walk gently and silently

Across forest floors.

I am a climber of chimney peaks

Clawing for handholds

In sharp jutting shale.

I am a purveyor of the New Corn Moon

The spangling Milky Way

Streaking clear night skies

Blazing meteorites                

The drape of shimmering Auroras

And mysteries of the eternal cosmos.

I am creation’s devoted adherent

Humbled by the power of its

Outstretched hand.