July in Alaska

Whispers of clouds cover peaks,
protecting them from the cold
whipped from the glaciers' ice.
The mountains jut straight up
from water or land, narrow beaches
of darkened rocks at their feet,
no foothills gently build
to soften their sudden thrust.
Mud flats for shores lie beside the sea,
traps that ensnare until the tide covers -
one mistake there is one too many.
Fresh, invigorating air smells sweet.
Crisp breezes, mighty winds bring
cooling relief from the sun's heat.
Azure skies trimmed with wisps
of feathery clouds spread
above foam-green fjords,
while sounds of silence
quietly echo across rivers
nestled in valleys deep.

Light forever, all day, all night,
lets life flourish in colorful array
before night everlasting reappears.