Forks of the Stanislaus

August 2013

Big trees and sour grass,
We hike under giants of old.
Towering cathedral,
shade and light filtered.

In this rivers flow,
Swirls and bubbles,
then babble.

Like a brook.
ancient voices.
stories told.

Even tiny stones can erode big stones.

Granite speckled.
Silver and black with iridescent shades,
as does its fish.

Stani renga-ku 3-14-2013

North Fork Stanislaus River

Black oak and cedar,
dappled light sparkles.
Through big trees, glimmers the sun.

Over polished granite slabs.
Silver bright and speckled,
igneous in nature.
Cascades and tumbles, turbid water races.
Between steep canyon walls.
With the fishes we play.

Along the evening trail,
through coyote mint, ankle deep, hiking back.
A day shared,
with friends true.
Some new, some old,
and to a few,
a new,
farewell.