Hidden Falls

Going against the grain

First we park
in the approved parking area
 for the approved trails
   to the approved falls,
then we hike back out to the road
and follow the fire trail
         down
         into the woods
                   down
         through the rhododendrons
         through the pines
                             down
                             past the signs
"DANGER - ROCKS ARE SLIPPERY WHEN WET"
still we continue
         down
         slipping on wet rocks
                   down
         through the skunkweed
         through the oaks
                             down
                             past the signs
"DANGER - PEOPLE HAVE DIED HERE"
still we continue
         down.

It's a perfect day.

The waterfalls are
                             beautiful
                   and so are you
         standing
         on the wet rocks
                   out on the edge
         arms
                   wide
                             open,
                   smiling,
         alive.