Cycles of Nature

Juniper trees and a soft breeze

cottonwoods bristling,

a quiet stream flowing to gravity’s delight

Elk graze in the open meadow

Foraging, squirrels find prior summer’s store

Over the mountain the sun begins to depart,

bids the valley farewell

until another day, it will rise and warm.

Lighting, fire

Heat, smoke, ash

blackened trees where the valley once

stood with peace and solace

Now haste makes the deer,

to escape the torment

No birds or rabbits

Fire wretches life from the

foundation of the valley.

Turns it back to dust,

from which it came at the

beginning

Eventually, rain.

Cools and calms

a sprout begins its journey to the surface

gradually, then suddenly

the valley looks as a young maid

Life takes hold,

trees return leaves amid their lost brethren

A colorful blanket suspends itself,

and the valley thrives

Life seen in cycles,

the passing days turn to years

Returning from birth to growth

to death

Fire quenches and makes ready

the way for new,

Giving opportunity to that whose time has not yet

come

The valley rises even as it falls,

so it shall

our lives be