Friday October 1, 2004, Upper Calf Creek

cock's crow keeps me from sleep
kicks the dream away
says   calve creek is waiting

the 1st time I came here was with Craig
now I'm on the trail alone       with him
in the mystery

every time I see a sea of sage
there he is        dangerous
to recall while hiking

not like last time   cairns mark the way
not like last time   he's gone
but the falls remain & I'm alive
surrounded by red rock & water
soon to speak with friends

walking   listening  breathing in wonder

returning     skin to the wind
& the morning sun
retracing our steps
looking for a sign
and there it is - piled one-by-one
on top of the other - millions of years of rock
of the past made present
tomorrow waiting patiently to become part of it
seemingly unending time    to breathe    to see
to say grace
gracious   grateful

my new mantra  - gracious grateful grace

walking lightly
disappearing in the dawn
like the legend

but only in song
for now   - with luck
many much more to say & sing & breathe

for now
eat the apple from my pack
as simple as that