He Say's, Nature Replies (A reflective poem)

This is a reflective poem from our 2025 Men’s Mountain Adventure in the Sangre de Cristo range in Southeast Colorado. It focuses on how nature replied to our thoughts, fears, and shame by giving us interactions with wild animals (black bears, big horned sheep, mule deer, cutthroat trout, marmots….), fallings rocks, rushing streams, and quiet nights.

By Branden Henry

He says, “Am I okay?”
The birds chirp in his ear: 'Wake up!
Today is a new day.
Yesterday is over.'

He says, “I’m stuck.”
River speaks with chill movement—
not holding herself back,
'I go where I must go.'

He says, “I’m not enough.”
Old mountain groans and breaks apart.
'This new growth is tough.
Rubble builds anew.'

He says, “I’m afraid.”
Frightened marmots chirp and run away,
run to their hole for aid.
'Shelter always near.'

He says, “I’m bound down.”
Bighorn sheep wonder undisturbed,
doubts and fears thrown off,
horns up and neck down.

He says, “What’s next?”
The wind whispers her intentions,
'always moving and free,'
able to rest and find peace.

He says, “I’m ashamed.”
Black bear lumbers along the trail,
Wild and untamed.
Present and unmoved.

He says, “I’m too weak.”
Long pines rise up and stretch their bones,
drink deep from a creek,
'give life and take it.'

He says, “I’m alone.”
Trout run the river, together,
finding their way back home
through rocks, bears, and shoals.

He says, “I’m detached -
from God, self, others and the earth.”
But nature is coupled,
showing us the way. 

Dirt, water, and sky,
fish and bird, rock and animal—
all hear his helpless sigh
and remind him to 'breathe.'

He inhales: “I’m okay.”
Surrounded by sighing grandeur,
peace found in play.
Connected.
Exhales 'ease.'

Exhales…

Ease