The Land Will Awaken

Velvet, tawny grass bristles
over the back of some ancient beast
slumbering now beside a coiling river
surrendering
 
In the turbulent birth of the world
mountain and river brawled
beneath an infant sun
 
One tempted heights unknown
molten rock rising, slinging fire
laughter rumbling over heaving shoulders
 
One burrowed into earth,
gnawing and slapping basalt shoulders
leaving scars, weaving a long glittering trail
 
The river caresses somnolent shoulders
murmurs in an ancient tongue
beneath a grandfather sun
they wait
 

Theresa Taylor works in student services at Wenatchee Valley College.