Mountains

 APP-AH-LATCH-UH

The mountains are a part

    of everyday life here,

A living presence,

    family.

Their outline is as 

    familiar as breath

Their steadfastness is 

    as sure as death.

A flat horizon has

    less mystery

Stretching as far

    as the eye can see.

Give me streams and 

    rolling hills,

Colorful autumn leaves

    to thrill -

Staggering precipices
For solemn emphasis

What silence would reign

    without wind from the peaks,

Rippling creeks, or each distinctive

    call of bird or beast.

The mountains give strength
With massive length

And the wisdom of creation.