against the silver backdrop of bare branches
weeds and leaves
are the warp and woof of the landscape
Mighty Foot
The old tree stands
like an elephant
remembering all.
Rust
As winter edges closer
the woods become rust and grey.
Only the sound of one’s own footsteps
mulching leaves
interrupts the silence.
Embrace
fingers of moss
entwine the old tree
a lover’s goodbye embrace.
Preparation
The forest bed is made
and awaits animal dreams
and blankets of snow
Foothold
the ancient ones
leave their footprints
above and below the land.
Ordinary Splendor
In the heart of autumn
the mighty oak, humble and true,
presents the rich variety of shades of brown.
Leaves Surrender
the first surrender is to color
the second is to be untethered by the wind
and the final surrender is to perish in form and replenish the earth
Goddess Trees
The trinity of birch
renewal, determination, protection
comprise a sacred ladder to the heavens.
In A Certain Slant Of Light
Before the burst of color
fall appears in those moments just before twilight
and presents a world illuminated from within.
Bonsai
At the edge of the forest
where enchantment begins
grows a tiny tree of goldenrod.
Wisdom
The gnarled tree
holds the history and tells the story
of the woods.
Listen closely.
Treasure
All sorts and conditions
of acorns
constitute the chipmunks hoard.
Adornment
Bejeweled with fungi
the old tree wears
her forest finery.
Destination
Deep in the dark woods
suddenly the sunny meadow
appears before you.
Forest Fireworks
Each new limb begins as a sparkler in green.
The pine celebrates its own independence day.
White Flame
Amidst all the green
a single white flame flickers
lighting the path.
Herringbone
A harmony of light and dark,
the forest floor wears herringbone.
Overlooking
The water glitters and shouts as it rushes on
carrying memories of perfection from the freshness of youth.
Age tempers today’s perfection with the acceptance of impermanence
making the glitter more brilliant and the shouting more joyful.
Magic in the Mist
Beneath the shroud of early morning mist
all creatures and growing things pause
and give thanks for the coming day.
Discovery
On an ordinary day a walk reveals
the enchanted place
where the golden birch resides
totem for fairies and unicorns.
Benevolence
As dusk descends a storm approaches,
celestial light graces the trees
and shelters the shadow of the house.
Spring Ephemerals
Native vernal bloomers
sprinkled like fairy dust
across the forest floor.
Whispers
spring whispers green
into the air, onto the trees.
Before Twilight
In the magic hours the forest glows
as trees catch the sun and release their dreams.
Moss
A miniature forest in a miniscule landscape,
the majesty of moss.
Sabbath
The shadow of a trinity of trees across rock
marks one of many spots to worship in the woods.
Grey
The February forest offers
ten thousand shades of grey,
haven for the mourning dove.
Carpet
The forest’s berber
is a durable oak.
In the Valley
farms and forest prepare themselves
for the demands of winter.