Silver streams of bubbling mountain beauty
Sparkle under the bright blueness of a Pyrenean sky.
Pink shrubs and wispy trees
Line the water’s gentle descent.
Green trees in the distance frame a dynamic landscape,
Where white, snowy peaks rise and fall
Creating dents and shadows and glistening relief from the winter sun.
Sun-bleached stones cover the shallow river beds
And waves gush and jump over rocky ramps,
Delighting in their wild freedom.
Oh, hidden gem! of nature’s wonderful offering –
Almost too beautiful to express
In all but a deep breath of fresh-air joy!
Little bridges cross the babbling brooks;
Little shepherds’ huts dot the land;
And sheep move peacefully over the still-green grass.
High up in dense forests, large bears hide and watch.
Magnificent beasts are wary of human traffic, as hikers make their way 
into the
Wilderness, navigating snow-laden paths and rocky outcrops.
The silence is palpable.
Eagles circle overhead, surveying their land; seeking their prey.
Stone cottages, made long ago, still provide safe refuge.
Resorts, amazingly-pitched up high,
Are filled with jubilant skiers and ambitious visitors,
Who pack into homely retreats for hot wine and tasty galettes.
And still the waters run; their music echoes across the mountain range.
Oh, happy hills in God’s country!
What Creator could fathom such a perfect place
Rich in surprise and peace?
Thank You for touching our hearts
With Your Spirit of life and beauty!
JulieHughes(c)PoetryFrance2020