Wallberg, Tegernsee, Bavaria

Conifers, mountain huts, Alm, stream,
       above the forest remnant snow,
up through the cloud-line to a burning sun
       and mountain tops like whales in foam.

The cross on Wallberg looks down on the lake,
stone pathway, earth, greying ice,
blue-black ravens and butterflies
       and high altitude bees on scanty flights.

In the restaurant benches, tables made of pine,
       counters with Brezen, sausage and fresh goat's milk,
pea soup, home made, rolls and beer
       lively conversation in the mountain air.

Indoors a television room shimmers blue,
       one face earnest in a blend of smiles,
the latest statistics from Serbia, Kosove
       followed by the weather for tourists here.

And so with Icarus and a dog's doggy life,
       two worlds rub shoulders on a mountain peak,
one lifts a glass and toasts his girl,
       the other's lost a mother, father, son and wife.

© R.G. Bishop