It is a blessing

to have an affinity 

for beauty in nature.

This began with my wonder

at rocks and fossils,

deepened by

my geological studies.

To see Jungfraujoch

in person

brought all of that together

powerfully.

I was moved to tears

several times

at the grandeur

of the snow and ice

we can see

and the glacial processes

we cannot.

To see and experience 

snow and glaciers

in such glory

from the viewing deck

then the snowfields

was wondrous

despite my body

battling the altitude.

As we rested, drinking coffee

next to the cafeteria window

the scene stretched out before us.

As time passed, we watched snowflakes

float past

as the clouds

lowered completely

providing a fitting closure

to our time on the mountaintop. 

Underpinning the entire experience,

deep gratitude.