Under Half Dome
Another from last year. I just started on a shortish novel about San Francisco in the 70s so there may be more oldies coming.
A klatch of Stellar Jays have come chattering to check me out to be assured that I won't wreck the neighborhood they are a burst of joy arrayed across the dead and weathered branches of a great old widowmaker (Do not mourn thy fallen enemy!) Fine royal fellows all with crested charcoal heads dress blue jackets and if so inclined a pair of smart Italian shoes but how then would they scratch for grubs clutch a branch of cedar pine or jjuniper? (Ah the tyranny of nature!) Coyote has arrived late afternoon fur haloed by steep angled sun she's stopped to choose her route and doesn't look my way what use am I to her? one look she'd know me for the trouble that I am and quickly trot away she drops downslope the royal vixen takes her leave most likely bound for Happy Isles The sun has fallen further on wood fire smell obscures an ache in me as does the echo of some banging pans campers calling for their kids to wash and come to eat Sometimes the mountains are too lonesone make me hurry on my way sometimes beneath cold stars and dark latticing of trees there is fine comfort found with others near. cJAT 5/24