Yellows

Yes. Those of us out here in the middle distance, at high altitude,

      might wait a bit longer...for something ultimately shorter...

Yet. When it arrives

And makes clear its intention to remain

It is no less wondrous, no less deserving

Of a deep appreciation and reverence!

Today? I find no need for the carefully edited reel, the clever soundtrack, the adorable pugs, the quotes of semitic poets, prophets, and philosophers

To accompany.

This magnificence speaks of itself. For itself.

My teacher often reminds: every flower needs to blossom around its own center.

I am privileged to bear witness to such unfolding.

Right here, nine thousand, three hundred and twenty-eight feet closer to the sun than where I arrived

Among the yellow draba aurea and within my own being.

Over there, in the beauty of my eldest.

Navigating independence, respecting the fragility and strength of his own center.

Dodging the false safety offered with limitation and constraint, however well-intentioned.

And way, way over there!

In a small patch of backyard grass thriving despite weeds that bind

Near the base of a flatiron

In the company of spiritually curious men

Gathered to inquire

Together.

I witness.

Life's blossoms.

After infinite shades of aspen green, welcoming them to life

After the winds and frigidness of many a false start

The YELLOWS arrive!!!!

In abundance.

Diverse in their hue.

Complex and varied in their shape.

Each around its own center.

And not alone.

They render the memory of the cold white and grey

The deep blue, known only to a Colorado winter sky

Nearly impossible to recall.

Good morning!