when you did not return

all the Flathead recoiled in horror

its glacier formed valleys

could not bear the pain

that radiates from this point

icy fingers grasping

across the winter range

shattering rock and tree

the elk herds left

for there is no grass

left to feed on

the river itself

speeds up as it passes

as not to absorb

a single poison tear

that lines the shore

like the ice that carved all this 

I retreat

for there is no reason

left to stay