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.
Discovery
On an ordinary day a walk reveals
the enchanted place
where the golden birch resides
totem for fairies and unicorns.
Traipse
Two planks
for two feet
to take two steps
and cross into
the welcoming woods.
Adventure
The back porch stairs
lead to the whole
of the wild woods and world.
Half and Half
Two trees at the entrance to the woods
mark the dividing line between sun and shade.
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.
Window on Winter
As the cold has settled deep into the ground
stillness has wrapped itself around the house
and both accentuate
the smallest of movements and quietest whispers of the heart.
Dudley’s Deer
She waits at the edge of the woods for Dudley, her dog friend.
Waiting to flash her tail to signal the start of their mountain romp.
But Dudley is not in the car as the doe seems to hope.
Dudley is in heaven now, running with the wind.
Village
Beneath the bird feeder at the edge of the woods
is where the fairies set up their mushroom camp.
Crossing
Set down your troubles
at the foot bridge to the path
that leads deep into the woods
and let the wind carry them away.
Wood Star
Unearthed roots provide an abode for bugs and grubs.
New space for the saplings to grow in is made.
This is the forest’s shooting star.
