Distant majestic mountains,
intimidating mass of rocks.
Go around or journey over?

A menacing challenge.
A delightful pleasure.

Colorful meadow flowers,
scent of pine,
crisp air, tease the senses.
Brilliant light dances
across water and snow.
A gift of remote peace and tranquility.

They stand
witnessing people who come and go
scrambling,
climbing,
clinging
to their chipped but resolute rocky shoulders.

They stand
impassive to activity on their slopes,
people, smaller than ants, disappearing
in their crags and crevices.

They stand,
power contained deep within
may be
unleashed unexpectedly.

Beautiful sentinels
give glory with their presence.
Reminders that
sometimes
just being
is enough.