Silver Anniversary Trip, Day Eleven

enchanted lava 
creates unique swimming pools
otherworldly

infinity pools
so twenty-first century 
simply don’t compare

Cloud Surfing

a touch of snowfall
brings beauty to commuting
and calms my heartache

my name in Dari
made for me by my student
language: such a gift

ski day reverie
filled with powder grins,
soft turns, silent flakes

always a long day
yet happiness takes its time
falling from the sky

through Cumberland Gap
we drive down to Tennessee 
and stand in three states

it’s been many years
(the gap between visits here)
and everything’s changed

Pappy’s room is new
with the antique furniture 
from their grandparents

a whole new kitchen 
to fill Donna’s empty nest
with the light of love

this generation 
will take the time to teach them
and fill in the gaps

they’ll learn who came first,
what they fought for, what they lost;
close gaps, open eyes

winter sunrise strokes
as soft as with a paintbrush
with red glow on snow

power lines define
the hidden energy here
ready to rise up

a long-shadowed pup
feels tall in the morning light
ready for the day

sunrise to sunset
i follow the moon and sun
winter outdoor joy