An afternoon hike through Oregon woodlands takes me to the bouldered shoreline of a shallow lake formed by human touch near the head waters of Mud Creek, a tributary of the Salmon River. Sublime quietude fills the air. Across the distant skyline, the regal mask of Mount Hood defined by glacial ice belies the quiet giant’s fiery past.
Late afternoon sunlight, whispers of clouds and ethereal vapors across densely wooded foothills add to the poetry written by the silvered countenance of Trillium Lake. My spirit soars. My imagination takes flight on lively winds that descend from the ice-clad slopes of the sleeping fire mountain to play with lake waters. My body reacts with brief shrivers in defiance of the crisp, yet refreshing breeze.
Out on the water, a lone fisherman’s prayer enjoins the wind-driven wavelets to abet his angling exploits. In mind’s eye, I appreciate his sincere whispers of endearment—albeit clad in ulterior motives—to denizens of the silvery realm.
© Ilija Lukić 2026
