Alamere Falls

A sign points to a maze of thicket
Watch out for the poison oak
I have been guide and guided
led my blind friend down the sandstone pipe
in a hailstorm only to turn around
at the overflowing stream

The first time I came here
a beautiful woman sat
buddha-like by the clear green pool
across stepping stones
I splashed my face
meditated at the cliff's edge

The Farrallones shimmered on and off the horizon

Once a whale pelt lined the beach
with the stench of rotting flesh
seagulls relished the fatty meal

I have caught rainbows in the tumbling water

You may never return and reach the waterfall
or see my rainbow tears

Always the vultures, watching
to them I must open my heart