in White Pine’s embrace
of whispering mountains
with their snow-capped secrets
a new year begins quietly
under open skies (clear as dreams)
any lingering warmth
released by the twilight
Here, time breathes in and out, slow and steady
through the bristlecones and ancient ranges
standing tall, our guardians of yesteryear
in our sunrises canvases of possibility
we paint each day’s stories (hues of copper and gold)
in our sunsets echoes of silence and peace
the land’s heart beats
in rhythm with ours
as we step into a future
untraveled yet bright
a promise:
of growth
of life
of quiet joys
unfurling
gently
in the vastness.
Wishing you all a joyful year, and may the stories here reflect not only challenging times, but also the heart and strength of our community.
— Ely Earlene