theology of the mountain gods

bad spirits descend
war against us from the northeast
so they say
we humans need protection
against ineffable malevolent beings

in Kyoto of old the mountains
blocked the path
of demons;
they shielded from attacks
of the unnamable evil ones

no temples on Mount Baker
hoary father
thou my glacial ancestor
you thunder in silent thunders
in the northeast

over Port Susan Bay you,
my volcanic kinsman
are you my god?
many gods in the Cascades?
on which mountain shall I worship?

on the upper air
spiraling up to the nimbus
eagles ascend
circle in widening gyre
crow flies straight, my totem


--Ross Bender