the news is hell
and so too is work
and all else that it takes
for us to survive another day
but miraculously
we have the afternoon off
and so we plan a hike up
up in the high peaks
we park the car
and wander through the woods
the river is rushing
the sky warm and blue
the wildflowers every color
the lake at the trail’s end
a masterpiece
and all else falls away
there in the lakeside breeze
all the wars and worries fade
there is just this now
and it is always here
waiting to be gazed upon
at the end of so many dirt roads
when the horror of today
grows too much
seek it out
find these places
where nature still reigns
and breathe it in
while it still lasts
while we still have breaths
left to take

Alexander Shalom Joseph is an award winning poet, writer and playwright from Gilpin County, and is the author of seven published books. You can find his work and more information about him at www.alexandershalomjoseph.com.