we don’t need
trees and snow
angels
or even lakes or mountains
to see into the life of things
i’ve stood on the edge
of the grand canyon
in spring
breathless speechless
ridden through the alps
in summer
with yellow blooms
and waterfalls
driven through the rockies
in winter
mesmerized by snow
against a clear sunny sky
and i’ve seen
my four-year-old son
swinging
in the back yard
reaching to go high
enough to see over the bar
then returning
head tilted back
full of delight
laughing