Cloud
I watched a cloud climb up the mountain
this morning, at first just a puff of mist
white air, it stretched itself out, elongating,
fragmenting, as if searching for handholds,
then bunched back together again as
it neared the top. It reached up as if
it needed a last boost over the peak
to achieve and fulfill a need to rise.
By the time it was full daylight
the cloud had made it up and over
the mountainside and then it flew
wide, skimming the cool dawn sky
as if moving away to explore the freedom
of space. Strange that I never thought
of clouds as alive with purpose and presence
with a need in time to transform and rise.
Pat Maslowski, Drake
Poudre Valley REA consumer-member
Rocky Mountain Autumn
New England boasts of maple leaves
in vibrant russet tones.
The West Coast has perpetual spring –
Fall’s equinox is unknown.
But the Rocky Mountain region
is the jewel in nature’s crown.
Pine trees stand in silent awe
as the Aspens paint the town.
The hillsides yield a treasure trove of
sparkling gold doubloons,
that captivate all our senses
then steal away far too soon.
Autumn in the mountains
is a season beyond compare.
So simple is its beauty,
yet its vision is all too rare.
Cynthia Bullock, Black Forest
Mountain View Electric consumer-member
Woodpile
Visiting my grandparents
back home on the farm
trying to be helpful
give something back
to generous self-sufficient folk
I moved much of the woodpile
from the cold outdoors
into the warm garage
despite grandma’s protests
couple of weeks later
she calls
tells me about the big storm
snowed them in
electricity out for a week
the neighbor without heat moved in
they were warm and safe
thanks to their big pile of dry wood
I’m sure they would have been fine
but she credited me
with their snowstorm survival
the easy access to the woodpile
kept their stove burning
just now I realize
all their cooking appliances were electric
the wood stove must have been
their cooking heat as well
I bet they ate a lot of oatmeal
drank a lot of coffee
finished off the frozen coffee cake
ate the ice cream before it melted
Kiki Chanders, Steamboat Springs
Yampa Valley Electric consumer-member
Good Neighbors
Good neighbors willing to help —
A treasure equal to gold mines,
To public acclaim in the arts,
To important discoveries —
Rare artifacts,
Medical solutions,
Industrial improvements —
All these pale in the light of day
When what you need is
A good neighbor at your side
One who will lift, will carry,
Will watch, will do
Will find the right words
Will smile, squeeze your hand
And give of herself.
Thank goodness for good neighbors!
Lucky me!
Carol Ehrlich, Grand Lake
Mountain Parks Electric consumer-member
