Chilly Summer Solstice Sunrise Reflection.

From a slightly beaten track in Llanquihue, Chile

0615 they said you’d arrive. I was on time, ready.

But it was 0643 before

I caught my first glimpse

from the valley below.

Your late arrival a gift, wrapped in a

fresh southerly summer sea of wildflower.

And more.

Mist thick to the west

a halo of peach fuzz resting wistful

over farmhouse and copse.

To the north, cock crow and geese flap

And the hollow growl of a grumpy dog

awakened too soon.

In the east, that sapphire tease

interrupted by flight and foreplay of Chirihue

above a copper-bathed hedge.

Then finally, finally,

like a victorious fisherman

showing off his catch, you return.

A bright heat rising over the ridgeline

of a new year.

And bringing me a gentle reminder:

Not be enslaved by time or timetable.