rocky granite gorge

a rocky gorge far below the invisible incline

descent is steep in my mind's eye

in preparation for my long step's stride's into the cushion

the cushion of air invisible into the magnetic white

the white of elevation by degrees of human steps

into gravity's pull adrift on her invisible arms

adrift on my working legs, they carry me like wheels

while my mind drifts in wonder, pensive repose

my shock absorber, my wheel house in this sea of granite

only gnarled conifers at this 10k altitude

at my lee and my port

my cabin's pressure, my mind keeps me from succumbing

keeps me from yielding to the heat in the blistering sun

keeps me focused on my objective, the gorge below

keeps me trained on pre emptive anticipation

for therein lies trickling water, still from snow melt

at this altitude though it be august still,

the snow from winter's fall

still the snow lies in patches high,

in summer's high perches and in that rocky fold 

in midst of rough shadows' sheltered coves

in midst of cool eddies, placid pools of peace perception

i recall having been there before and again

here i am again, my decades old descent

back into my pristine place where few men have come

at the end of this striding terrain's flight

i will indulge my flesh

become one with the rocky granite

my bare skin against its face,

let my toes bare against its pulverized textured rough

upon the ground, its patches green of moss

black ants the size of little grasshoppers will smile me a welcome

will share with me a patch, let me sleep a while undisturbed

as i prop my back and head to the west

and gaze upon the setting sun on fiery rims of mountains high above

nestled in my rocky cleft, this rocky gorge i've reached

its welcomed me with open arms