Above the Tree Line

The buffeting wind and inclement cold
challenges the mountain's forest of
canted, gnarled trees, dwarfs of their
cousins for whom no untoward
interference in life's cycle occurs.
There on the granite outcrops
nearing the summit where alpine
growth tenaciously makes its home
stunted pine and oak enjoy their
spectacular views of the lake and the
full-flush forest nestled at the mountain's
base. Above the boulder-strewn mantle
of the mountain boasts grey lichen
and green mosses. And between
rocky interstices in the granite's
elephant-grey carapace sumac send
up their hairy stalks and bay laurel
nestling among the scattered rocks
share billing with mountain sorrel
and bright-lanterned native orchids.