Why I Work

I close my eyes and remember

the rich smell of pines

and the sound of the wind

whispering through the trees.

The mountains were stark and rugged,

granite boulders scattered

amongst the trees and chapparal,

pale shapes dotting the landscape.

Ponderosa, digger, and western white pines,

Douglas-fir, and incense cedar,

tall and stately figures

amongst the manzanita and oaks.

Stellar's Jays, Plain Titmice, and Wrentits

adding their songs

to the music of the breeze.

A natural symphony, unmatched by man.

Mountain kings, night lizards,

and skinks under rocks.

Spiny lizards perched upon boulders.

The thrill of the chase.

I open my eyes

and sit at my desk.

Again I tell myself -

"These are the reasons I work."