Long Walk

It's a short walk to the noodle shop
where Kumiko serves up Kung Pao,
and a peek at the Moon.

Farther out is the ocean at Kalaloch,
a storm backed high tide rules the beach,
a Steller's Jay perches on an ancient cedar,

cheesecake and coffee at the lodge
overlooks the Clearwater, frost creeps up
cabin windows, some birds mate

for life. On the other side of Elwah Pass
a winter wind raises dust on the western plain,
rock cairns mark a dirt road

receding across an ancient battleground,
a pair of travelers walks into the haze,
small loads depress the mind.

Journeys don't start long,
near the end we understand
there's no time to go back.