Drinking From the Rock               

by Lisa Fields

Driving toward 

mountain peaks                          

wreathed in pale gray fluff

we arrive inside drizzling rain,

and climb the steep path

Fog moves

in filmy tatters-

parting

to reveal wondrous towers of rock

concealed                              

by curtain folds

as the fog exhales

Surrounded by stone shoulders

one conifer stands

straight-spined, vibrant

Patiently,

it explains to us

the hidden water

it sips from veins

of rock

A memory arrives

I am a young woman

in a pretty summer dress

trying on sophistication-

borrowed from somewhere

immersed

in calculated flattery

I sip from the tall glass

re-filled beyond my comfort-

hoping

to please

Returning to the present

I wonder

if --

I will learn to wear my limbs with ease,

and like the lone tree in its reaching,

select only the essential

* * * * *

Lisa Fields lives in Southwestern New Mexico. Writing poetry expresses her desire to be immersed in a state of balance. Her inspiration comes from the joy of wild places and the challenge to live happily in the domesticated world. She is a contract writer for Quirine Ketterings, Professor of Nutrient Management in Agricultural Systems, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY. In her home state of NY, Lisa served the farming community as an Extension educator for 10 years, and then worked for 10 years as a self-employed advisor.