The alpestrine forest – at 8000 feet – is widespread with red firs, lodge pole pines, white barks, and moss-laden boulders. Interspersed in the crags; ancient bristlecone pines remain at guard like primeval warriors.
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As a testament
Fixed between earth and heaven
Trees stand motionless
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Of boldness and majesty they exalt, bending and swaying with invisible winds, as an augur of spectacle, colors of imagery in bold and passive strokes, and all the while, in perfect harmony, the sun moon and stars, and nature’s abundant wonders, extol the unseen Creator.
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In all creation
A proclamation of His
Handiwork is seen
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Sunlight purges dark uncertainties. From a sweeping burst of showers; cleansed mountain air revives us. Raindrops drip quietly from the foliage. Preceding us a flock of small birds chirp flutter and flit. Had they been sent to lead us into the wonders we sought? The side hills, and alluvial deposits, are dappled with snow and soft textures of lady’s slipper, yellow-star-thistle, and the (recently) endangered bolander’s clover.
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In myriad shades
Nature’s palette of colors
Are perfectly brushed
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The mountain lake seems a translucent cyan jewel. A sense of reverence washes through us. Pure air heightens our discernment. Life’s complexities are reduced to fine silica as we come to behold (with spiritual eyes) how all the rivers run into the sea; yet the sea is not full; and unto the place where all the rivers begin, that is where they return once again.
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In natures design
All cycles of life and death
Remain inherent
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richard lloyd cederberg
6/2017
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‘For life and death are one, even as the river and the sea are one.” Kahlil Gibran
      richardlloydcederberg.com