ME AND HALF DOME

By John N. Roberts

Awaiting sunrise above May Lake,

I stand atop a razor ridge

shadowed by distant Sierra peaks

now framed with yellow/orange streaks.

I glance across at Half Dome,

ancient eroded bird-giant of a stone,

sun-touched at the exact same moment

the first rays warm my bones.   His shadow fills Yosemite Valley

scales El Capitan

spills down high Sierran meadows

slowly crossing this forever-turning land.

And my own shadow, how about mine

furtively searching to the west?

I am Half Dome's little brother

born of the same stuff as he.

I'll move my arms and lift my legs

swaying backlit on this stony ridge.

And dance briefly on this ancient stage.

Me and Half Dome

Brothers in the Sun.

Each casting shadows,

here, today.

10/13/04