Homeless man pedals through Hellgate Canyon,

Late afternoon cloud shadows tumble and play on Jumbo’s hills.

Lone birch tree illuminates a side trail leading to a transient camp.

Trees scrape by and hang on, talus slopes hurtling more rocks in their path.

Magenta willows hug the water’s edge,

Hiding common mergansers fishing upstream.

Lone bald eagle swoops toward the river,

Misses its evening meal,

Ascends heavenward, empty-talloned yet free.