As winter edges closer
the woods become rust and grey.
Only the sound of one’s own footsteps
mulching leaves
interrupts the silence.
In the Highest
Heaven’s joy
reaches out to us
in an extravagance of colors.
Encouragement
last year’s pinecone
inspires this year’s seedling.
Morning Mist
the sun will unveil
today’s mystery and magic.
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.
Holy Leaf
in its missing parts
resides another part of its magnificence.
Fallen
There is no failure in falling.
While the descent may be hard
repose eventually softens all difficulty.
This is the grace of transformation.
Learning Tree
the elder trees encourage
the young sapling to
show its joy in color
Repossession
The woods reclaim the old barn
returning her lumber to the earth.
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.
Turning
The change is upon us.
Daybreak
Blushing at her tardiness
autumn dawn makes her arrival
a bit later each day.
Our Two Chairs
Let us take our willow seats
and savor a few more garden moments with the geraniums
before the the frost comes and sends us all inside.
Slope
The end of summer
has found her
angle of repose.
Current
Rocks and trees know not to struggle
but to simply stay until the appointed time comes to go.
Change is forever pulling or pushing.
Do not begrudge the current its way.
Adornment
Bejeweled with fungi
the old tree wears
her forest finery.
Looking Up
Beneath a canopy of green
lie down on the soft welcoming earth
and claim your special place in the world
by being there.
Discovery
On an ordinary day a walk reveals
the enchanted place
where the golden birch resides
totem for fairies and unicorns.
Whispers
spring whispers green
into the air, onto the trees.
Logged
Along a dusty road
the trees leave the mountain.
Haute Couture
This birch wears it’s bark like a Dior dress,
sublime are it’s structure and details.
Sabbath
The shadow of a trinity of trees across rock
marks one of many spots to worship in the woods.
Two Trees
These trees wear their limbs
like curly haired twins.
Stand of Birch
Their feet close together
the birch stand shoulder to shoulder
weathering all seasons.
Ridge
Just over the ridge
reside my dreams of Spring.
Leafy trees and blooming things;
the sun’s warm embrace, kisses on my face.
Morning Moon
Like a sweet dream that lingers
the morning moon spies me through the trees
bestowing well wishes for the day.
Outlines
Nature traced the line of every branch and limb.
She favors highlights in white.
Freezing Reflection
The ice erases
the sky and trees
as it creeps across the pond.