Ptarmigans of Tabeguache

We stand atop the first green

tundra ridge on our way to the

summit of Mount Tabeguache,

but we must pause to watch

a bevy of alpine ptarmigans

walking along nonchalantly

with plumage about to change

for winter having white bellies

and spotted brown-feathered

backs and nervous little heads

with beady eyes quite aware of

us but far too busy searching for

salty grasses of September brushed

by gusty winds from higher peaks.