Paint me yours
like sunlight
paints the dawn
and spreads its claim
primal and perfect
over earth and sky
claiming each inch
and every crevice
with the warmth
of golden rays
There is nowhere else
I’d rather be
than here with you
Distant peaks
taunt and tease
promising chill air
and the burn of muscles
worked hard
as each step goes
higher and higher
until fallen needles turn
into the crunch of ice
under worn boots
and shaded forests
break free to rock
and vistas that steal
what breath is left.