Formed by ancient glaciers and seas,

these mountains and

valleys soothe my

tired, troubled soul.

Their strength, their stillness feed me and

I delight in

their secret treasures,

striped wintergreen,

jewel weed, Indian pipe, and

spotted mushroom,

monk’s cap lily,

and spongy moss.

When it seems as if the world is

     breaking and a

        new horror hits

            the headlines each

                 day, and hate and fear encourage

                     further madness,

                        trauma, heartache,

                            and hopelessness,

                                we MUST go back to the basics,

                                      model respect

                                              for all beings,

                                                     spread love, not hate.