The old tree stands
like an elephant
remembering all.
Out of the Woods
Suddenly sunlight
and the meadow appears.
The dark treacherous trail
becomes a gentle winding path.
Undaunted
by winter’s demands
evergreens refuse to release color or needles
and stand in defiant contrast to the ever greying landscape.
Uprooted
Grandfather still holds onto stones from the earth.
No longer a giant, now a sculpture
a testament to the power of nature.
Quiet White
Winter
white washes
the woods.
Balance
becomes possible
by accepting
circumstances.
Thankfulness
In all her dazzling displays and subtle simplicities
nature’s ever evolving beauty nurtures
the ability to be grateful.
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.
Encouragement
last year’s pinecone
inspires this year’s seedling.
Old Man Frost
leaves his whiskers behind
when he runs through the woods
chasing moonbeams and sunshine.
The Other Side
Turkeys hurry
to get to the far side
of Thanksgiving.
Foothold
the ancient ones
leave their footprints
above and below the land.
Encounter
Coming upon the cairn in the woods
I knew we were still traveling together.
I added one stone for the two of us
and saw the face of a wise, knowing owl.
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.
Goddess Trees
The trinity of birch
renewal, determination, protection
comprise a sacred ladder to the heavens.
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.
Three Teepees
The beans have finished their teepee climb
now even the hammock sleeps
summer retreats
Retreat
Awaken when the woodpecker knocks.
Birdsong accompanies the noontime meal.
Eagle’s cries announce the surrender of day to dusk.
Destination
Deep in the dark woods
suddenly the sunny meadow
appears before you.
Herringbone
A harmony of light and dark,
the forest floor wears herringbone.
Hillside
The slope demands effort
while promising a summit view.
Chieftan Trees
The sweetest of woods
pine’s scent releases burdens from heads and hearts
and so they are known as the Keepers of Peace.
Watchfulness
From the sanctuary of the woods animals watch
the metal bridge that carries man and his many parcels and purpose
to the other side and back again.
Biggest Star
Brightest orb shining the way
through spring and into summer days,
lighting the route through woods and dark days.
Big Rock
Sit on the big rock
in the sunshine by the river.
Let the water wash your worries away.
Let the birds sing the song in your heart.
Woodland Path
This is the path that leads to the place
where the flowers know your name,
walk slowly and listen to their stories of you.