In the Still, Night Sky

A glassy lake stretches as far as the eye can see:

calm, blue water, warmed by summer's breath.

High rise firs line the surrounding hills, dotting

right up to grassy beaches strewn with fallen

pine cones, and cuddling close to rocky points.

Wading barefoot into the temperate mountain

pool, the lapping waves' soothe my feet with

restorative caresses. The wind does not rush

since there is no hurry in the air. Small mouth

bass leap above the water line, attacking gnats

hovering and buzzing near the surface, and flip

backwards into the lake, disturbing the surface

with tiny, circular ripples which pass impressions

across the vast, liquid expanse. Black Saw-wings

swallow the sky as they jet near the surface,

cooperating with the back-flipping lake bass

to herd insects into one awaiting mouth or another.

The evening song of three, majestic, bald eagles -

soft, short, high pitched whistles - echoes across

the broadly expanding sunset which burns clouds

into molten, orange embers. They soar high above

my head, cutting a direct path to their nested fir tree

aerie not far from my silent beach shore. The long

finger shaped feathers at the ends of their wings

point a warning against even the most unobtrusive

intrusion. Slowly, stars emerge from the blackening

dusk. In the distance, a campfire warms a small

group by reflecting the last cloud embers in the still,

night sky. My palpitations cease as my lungs inhale

larger gulps of precious, fresh air; I'd forgotten

how delicious was their flavor. Children's

laughter drifts on the barely stirring breeze,

echoing into deserted, naked coves of serenity.

As a smile curves my lips and a full moon

lifts itself over its glimmering, watery reflection,

I am overcome by an ancient appreciation for awe

inspired accumulation of serene acceptance to Gaia,

knowing the moment serves greater sustenance

than humanity's amassed wealth and possessions.

From simplicity and attuned harmony grows

connection and passionate, purposeful redemption.