T H E T R I C K F A L L S O F H E P H A E S T U S
The Trick Falls
is so-called
for
as it melts
and runs off
Grinnell Glacier
the wind squeezes through
two walls of shale
hits it upwards so
it comes down twice.
A pretty trick
at any altitude.
*
From where most
of us stand
it can't be heard.
Hike up closer
if your breath is long
and your ears can
take it.
**
The old mountain goat
lame and named Hephaestus
still sure-foots it
he likes it on the mountain
because falls are in his line.
***
Don't forget
I made the net
that caught them
and held them
more beautiful than I.
Never hoped to keep her
to myself, but I
got Ares by the balls.
Don't forget that.
I made the net
and rigged it
to fall.
****
Call me tricky
if you like.
But watch, I
work the metal!
the hammer falls
down gently
taptapping for the spot
then raise my arm --
watch your ears --
it falls
like a bullet.
*****
So the lame old goat
watches the falls' tricks
till the wind
blows out
jerks his weight back
on the hind legs and
leaps forward, the fore
legs both testing the rocks
and taking his weight
runs out of sight.