By Douglas J. Lanzo
Copyright 2023

First published in Founder’s Favourites Issue 24 (October, 2023)

Natural Jewels of British Columbia

By Douglas J. Lanzo
Copyright 2023

Snow-rippled alpine peaks
thrust up from aqua-green bay,
casting striated shadows
upon sunned and salted waves,
sweeping into shoreline,
dotted by otters and seals,
diving into kelp forests,
for sea trout and oyster meals.

Patrolled by bald eagles
riding warm currents above,
the waters team with salmon,
spawning in rivers of love.

Pink and sockeye salmon,
with chinook and coho mates,
battle against currents,
leaping upstream while bears wait,
swiping through the flashes
of cool, sun-soaked mountain spray,
stunning while fish are airborne,
devouring them as prey.

Mountain mist lifts slowly
uncloaking hemlocks and firs,
as bobcats and lynx drift off,
while small collared pikas stir.

Quickening commotion,
mingles with lyrical verse,
of wrens and townsend’s warblers
magical even when terse,
forest, mountain and sea
converge in powerful ways,
melding grandeur and beauty
that mesmerize and amaze.