Inside we sit, cozy, soaking in the warmth of the fire,
gusts of wind ravage against the surf,
in the little house perched atop the ridge.
Tides batter against the cliffs
spraying the world with salty tears.
The chimney belches plumes of black breath into the freeze,
white foam swirls in the eddies and gales.
This is where our lives begin. Together in this house.
White-capped mountains vanilla cream on rocky cones.
It is here our futures will be woven in the tapestry of time.
Evergreens standing tall and erect,
green whiskers on the mountain face.
Howling winds from the throat of the universe,
roaring delight of Winter’s return.
Together here, in our house on the edge of the Earth.
The Author
Paul D. Benkendorfer grew up in Scottsdale, Arizona where he attended Brophy College
Preparatory. Paul would later go on to attend the University of Arizona where he received his
Bachelor's in Creative Writing. After graduating from the University of Arizona, Paul took a job
as an assistant teacher specializing in working with children with Autism. Paul would later
become a counselor and assistant teacher at Canyon State Academy in Queen Creek, Arizona
where he worked extensively with at-risk youth before becoming an English and Social Studies
teacher back in his hometown of Scottsdale. Paul is due to complete his Master’s in Teaching
Writing at Johns Hopkins University in August, and looks to continue his work teaching at-risk
and special needs youth in the near future.
Paul D. Benkendorfer