Valley of clouds

Ten months after climbing Saddleback Mountain by myself - putting one foot in front of the other to make it to the summit and have those moments with nature - I had another lovely experience on the mountain. I was there with a large group of people, none of whom I had known when Barry was alive, for a surprise birthday party. So I was at the mountain that overlooked where Barry and I had met and where we had worked together in the early years of our marriage with people who were new in my life, as I was new in theirs. The second morning, after the party that was just overflowing with love and good cheer, I went out for an early walk and then was first on the lift for some runs on my own before everyone else got going. It was an incredibly beautiful morning at the base of the mountain and above, but the valley below was socked in with low clouds. I took several runs alone and the scene before me changed dramatically during that time - and again the natural world spoke to me. By the time my friends joined me it was a sunny day, the perfect backdrop for spring skiing.

Valley of Clouds

Early morning, light dusting of snow
covers trees, roofs, road
beneath my feet.
As I walk I notice that
in the valley a bank of clouds
hides everything from sight.
Spring sun sends light from
behind the mountain
as it awakens and begins to
illuminate the surrounding hills.
Pinks and mauves sprinkle the cloud blanket,
instantly transforming the gloom.
Quick breakfast with friends
and I head up to
speed solo down any trail I choose,
my skis cutting arcs in the glistening snow.
I pause each time I reach the summit
to notice wisps of fog peel away
and reach playfully to the air currents
that take and disperse them.
The fog shifts more quickly as the morning sun
takes over the clear blue sky aloft,
uncovering the treasures in the valley below.
I smile as I see the familiar view
from my favorite mountain,
including the lakeside where I met
my true love.
My heart swells with the joy of it all
as I realize that again nature
is speaking to me.
The fog is lifting from
my valley of clouds
to reveal the treasures that
have always been within.
Thank you mountain,
thank you valley,
thank you clouds.

Sarah Carlson

March 27, 2007