First trek up the mountain Dodging snow banks Assessing winter’s toll Observing exposed undulations Curves and formations Hidden when the aspen leaves Come on No sign of the bear I know she’s gone One of three highway-killed Last summer The marks of her cubs Scored into the bark A forever reminder Of when the bear lived here She looks good, the mountain I am her guardian and she is mine Reverence at spring thaw Devotion steadfast and abiding Birdsong and tender shoots White shafts of the aspen Standing at ready Turning to spring at alpine Waiting and ready
