Glimpsing Mt. St. Helens

I.

Behind one of the horizon-long clouds

She was hiding, holding the sky

In the bowl of her embrace: Mt. St. Helens.

II.

Two roads lead to Mt. St. Helens

Like the two arms reaching out

To touch me in the dark.

III.

From below the earth Mt. St. Helens

Looks like any other mountain:

Dark piles of rock, timelessness

And light bursting in through the ceiling.

IV.

Time turns a kind eye

To Ring Around the Rosie, Columbus and Mt. St. Helens.

V.

We met Mt. St. Helens in

A desert dry with winter,

Now we reacquaint with her

In April wet with snow.

VI.

Mt. St. Helens lived in every state

I’d like to live in every state.

VII.

I am driving home along the interstate

When I see Mt. St. Helens

Asking where I’ve been

And why I’m leaving her alone.