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In early July I went backpacking in the Weminuche Wilderness in the San Juan Mountains in Colorado.  This was Plan B, as New Mexico was closed due to fire and our original destination in the Pecos Wilderness was closed out. I wrote a couple of poems on the trip - here they are.  And if you are interested in seeing some beautiful mountain scenery, you an see a slideshow of our trip at

http://www.flickr.com/photos/30759355@N08/sets/72157627240939632/

Old Men in the Mountains

 

Moving slowly, stopping

often.

The rocks, trees, flowers

a balm for aching joints,

short breath.

 

This may be the last time.

 

There will be a last time

for that mountain blue sky

the solitude of tall trees

the hard work of getting here

the camaraderie

the silence of awe

the  rumble of snow melt

the taste of winds born

in hidden places.

We Cannot Remain Here

 

There is no abiding

on the mountain pass

above the trees

among rocks and snow.

Our time passes swiftly,

our stay here is brief.

Mountains rise up

and are worn down.

Shouldering packs

we walk

down, down, down,

knowing  

we are kissed with life

and death.