How Far Away

When I look back over the miles, what do I see?

HOW FAR AWAY
December 3, 2006

How far away the sagebrush,
how distant is the tree
that gathers owls in dusky skies
while coyotes wildly sing.

How far away the Cheyenne,
the frame of mesa, butte
where purple musky, silver scent
spice the air that I once knew.

How far away from laughter,
friendships grappled true
and nights alone on single beds
are far between and few.

How far away the robin.
How far the chickadee.
How far from cardinals in the snow;
how far the blackbird's wing.

How far away the winter snow,
the runners printed there.
How far away the air I breathe,
the earth I tread on here.