Ode to Alice

by Spencer Keene

O, you stalwart protector;
you guardian of valleys!
You ancient predator;
you defender of lakes!
Your silvery skin kisses our eyes
with reflected beams of Okanagan sun;
we bow to you atop your stony perch,
admire your jagged-toothed grin.
You’ve lived through eons and ages,
across deserts of time long forgotten;
prehistoric periods of strife and bliss
have weathered your hammer-beaten hide.
O, you metal God;
you reptilian warrior!
You benevolent monster;
you stubby-armed beast!