Why We Search for the Abominable Snowman

author’s note:

In my youth, before we knew about Bigfoot, there was the Abominable Snowman.


WHY WE SEARCH FOR THE ABOMINABLE SNOWMAN

We fill the empty hours of winter
by searching for an unseen creature
who likes to tease us
by occasionally leaving
a solitary unclear footprint
in the snow dust.

No, we never find him.
Yet when our tired feet trudge down
from the mountains in spring
my companions and I glow like those
who’ve satisfied a higher desire.

And gladly accept the reigns
of the plow horse waiting at the gate.

Sometimes on a summer’s evening
I swear I can hear the bellow of the snowman
echoing softly in the white peaks
that tower behind our lonely village.

In response
a subtle yet distinct “yes”
sounds silently in my obscure depths.

My sense of mystery awakens then.
I am lifted up.

Some will likely say
the creature we seek
actually lives within us.

Don’t get me wrong--
I’m all for self-knowledge
but this way
we can feel strong
by braving the merciless cold

while at the same time
regaining a sense of humility
as we weave our little ant trail
under the knowing eyes
of those godlike mountains.

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