Clothed in Clouds

 

Hiking this rocky trail,

I gain elevation,

collect memories,

and receive blessings.

Alpine moss thrives.

White-tailed Ptarmigans

are camouflaged in rocks.

Mountains clothed in clouds.

My aging self is wrapped

in partly cloudy thoughts

of acceptance, and bright

moments of gratitude. 

© 2023 Richard Havenga

Photo Locations:

1. 2. White-tailed Ptarmigan - Rocky Mountain National Park - Colorado

3.  Trail Ridge Road - (12,183') Rocky Mountain National Park - Colorado

Close to the Sky

Mountain Goats climb
close to the sky.

Wrapped in snow-white coats,
they move like small clouds
along ridges of rock.
Slow and purposeful,
or scrambling sure-footed.

With round, black eyes
they seek nutrition;
browsing alpine shrubs
and ground cover.

Comfortable and confident
in their elevated environment,
while grazing these steep gradients.

I've already whispered:
"Thank you God",
for this gift of their presence,
for the honor to be a guest
in this mansion of mountains
so close to the sky.

© 2016 Richard Havenga

Photo Locations:

Glacier National Park - Montana 

To learn more, read my creative non-fiction article: Mountain Goats of Montana from July 30, 2012. 

Short Summer

Within this short, summer season,
withstanding relentless winds,
alpine wildflowers thrive
in these rugged 
Rocky Mountains.

High above the treeline,
under intense sunshine,
clinging to thin tundra soil,
they will survive
in their short,
sweet 
time. 

© 2015 Richard Havenga

♪♪ We will get by, ... we will get by, we will survive...♪♪ 

"Touch of Gray" ~ Grateful Dead

Photo Locations:

1, 2, 3. Rocky Mountain National Park - Colorado

4. Medicine Bow National Forest - Wyoming