Heart Lake

On the base of Mount Sheridan lies Heart Lake—a landmark of pure serenity. In writing this movement, I sought to capture the tranquility of standing at the shorefront of the lake, watching the wind create gentle ripples on its surface. Something about this lake is haunting, as if it holds a rich history untold with language. Such an ambiance reminded me of the traditional 19th-century American folk song, Wayfarin’ Stranger—meditative, tranquil, and wandering in search of something lost long ago. Many speculate exactly where Heart Lake derived its name---some say it was from a local hunter in the 1840s, while others theorize it was named for its shape. But after experiencing its harmonious connection with the forest around it, the lake's namesake becomes clear: it is the heart of Yellowstone itself.