Poetry from the mountain

The higher altitude suits my mood
at least for a day or two
I’m not missing the ocean
or the salty sea breeze
there is a clarity to the air here
I feel high on its vibe
gliding down the snow cloaked slopes
riding the volcano
with a smile from my heart

I feel so light and free
akin to the mountain streams
weaving their way under the ice
and over the rocks
with a life in perpetual motion
guided by gravity
until, once again
each droplet of water is returned
to the sky
to fall once more
from the heavens to the mountains.

Tussock grass decorated with snow
ice hanging on every blade
volcanic rocks dot the ground
boldly displaying the power beneath
fire, deep in the mountain
every step I take with awe
appreciative of the fine balance
of fire and ice.

The mountain streams and rivers
bubble with laughter
skipping over the rocks
free in their movement
untarnished by people
coursing through the lower mountain forests
nourishing the flora and fauna
life in motion
pure from the source
where the mountain towers
to the heavens above.