Mountain Under Clouds

Yesterday the sun was rising
in blue sky, over piled clouds. I could feel the hidden shape
of the mountain like a sleeper under piled coverlets. Like you, in the bed I left,
mumbling drowsy goodbyes.
The warmth of your body, landmark on my horizon
Mt. Hood looking over my shoulder
all the way to Salem and the day's meetings--
drawing me back at dusk
like birds to the mountain's lap. Where we would settle, preen,
exchange gossip of the day's doings, before sleep.

If I know where you are, I know where I am
as a needle knows north, a bee the hive
or water, downhill. Mountain under clouds
I name you.

Available! High-Voltage Lines, Knocking from Inside