Portage Glacier, Alaska

22

Harmoniously, Life and I awaken the worldsong

Out of the hushed mantle of blueshimmering ice,

And wander through crystalshining Godglow

Where the gentle wildforest caresses my soul.

I leap laughing from billowy bank to icy shadow

Knocking frosting from passing limbs,

Singing with the wind.

Run, Coyote!

Ho, Fieldmouse!

Why skitter so?

I'll not harm one of God's creatures.

I'll twist Coyote's tail for a tickle-brush

'Til we all laugh and sing.

I race the wind around gold capped domes

And paint them strawberry;

Cloak them in mist

And laugh

And weep

And sing

As moonshadow's swiftly silent flight

Across starsparkled snowscape

Brings quick passage

Into softly embracing

Amberglowing

Night.

Peregoy Meadow

February 18, 1978