Incident In Rosebud Valley Poem by Michael Pruchnicki

Looks easy enough, I thought. A short day hike on a marked trail
over the high ridge down through the valley of the Rosebud.
Pitch tent near the lake at the foot of Mount Garryowen.

Kick back, light up and mellow out.
My Venus in denim shorts beside me-
dearest Kate!

We set off at dawn.
Kate and I ignored the signs
all around us-
the gathering storm clouds
and fading light as we climbed.

At dusk the storm struck
with granite ferocity-
trees and rocks
roaring down from the ridges
high above us!

We lie buried among the boulders
at the foot of Garryowen
in the valley of the Rosebud-
my Venus in denim shorts
in my arms-
O my dearest Kate!