Ethereal Outposts
by Odin Roark

With wings outstretched,
currents carry adventure upward,
rising above flowering alpine meadows,
across scree-scattered memories old,
soaring above storm and cloud,
coming to rest beside respite’s memory-laden cover.

With a talon grip,
rusted sheets of shelter
overhang tin-sealed windows,
now with slumbering eyes
preparing for climbers of saber-edged granite.

What gratitude finds solace
within these stone walls.

What flames of determination
does this shield of rock keep kindled.

What breath has her solid floor
given exhausted lungs.

What passion has her warmth
kept conscious.

To some, a rest stop in history.

To others, an outpost of courage.

To all, a rock-firm pass-through,
a meditation where eagles do soar,
just as legs do climb,
seeking the calm of life’s perfect current,
where melodic vision is unabated,
and chorused echoes spring infinite,
and journeys of mind take solace
with nature’s shared spirit.