While driving from our home in Yakima, Washington to Seattle, a mere 2 hours away over the Cascade Mountain range, we must pass through some of the most bleak but beautiful terrain before getting to the rain and moss of the West side of the mountains. I hope this gives one a tiny window into this geography.

 

Yakima to Ellensberg

July 21, 2010

 

Mottled and tustled blows

the Spring lint of fields;

hills blown dry in Summer’s bosom.

Little drunk parch-ed promise

whispers her secrets.

Moving over the gentle curves of

her brown back, full-breasted,

bloated not from watered spring

but gloating in perpetual want –

satisfied with less; less than satisfied

having drawn her drink from wells unseen.

I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills…