Saturday, June 30, 2018

On Powder Mountain

They say there is a mountain somewhere,
Far away. In Utah, U.S.A. 
A whole mountain—pro-grade ski runs, 
Picture-ripe cabins, lithe cafés—
Dedicated to the self-discovery 
Of people who’ll venture capital for a mountain 
To ditch the bad vibes of those types
Who seem not to afford good investments.

I had thought mountains were unbuyable, 
Which those retreating to them were to emulate:
Alone, in howling caves and shivering frames, daring
One-sided discourse with an immovable infinite. 

The change these days may be that inner peace
Is now a totem to hold at bay not 
Outer turmoil, but inner silence. 

Or that they seek ‘To be a beacon 
of inspiration and a light in the world’
Via a city on a hill that cannot be hidden,

But (thank heaven) can be fenced.