forest – Rivers Renewed

Call of the Woods

He was a boy when he first rejected confederate flags, shotguns, and red Ford pickup trucks, the way the men talked about black people at the barber shop. He knew he was different, having sensed the call of the woods.

Some force he couldn’t see, beckoning. By 18 he could read trail signs, and knew where the crows nested and their favorite corn field…where the rabbits hid when the hawk flew by.

He did follow rivers, knew the deer as friends, more importantly he felt God’s presence in the snow falling…..with a love for the unknown, that he could not see.

Heart Song from the woods.

In These Woods

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What words can I shape, to tell that in these woods

I am made strong?

That hope runs deep here,

through the veins of oak

and pine, and maple trees,

through the earth

lives the permanence

the assurance of oneness

where there are no shadows

to be afraid of,

how can I ever express Lord God

that I am never alone,

covered in the warmth

of the blue sky.

When Autumn Was Young

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In the tree tops, wind moves through the remaining leaves

and I remember September

when autumn was young

and winter

was only a distant memory.

The Softness Will Whisper

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Within the safe haven of leaves and tree branches,

within the depth of the lake,

the stillness

of water reflecting,

the softness will whisper

of peace, of a healing within

bringing a quiet

to our spirits.

The Light Was Already Dancing

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As I walked into the woods today the light was already dancing,

filtered through the leaves,

pulling me,

pulling my spirit closer,

into the healing.

I stood for a long time

at rest, confident,

grateful even

that I was part of the earth now,

part

of the light dancing.

Note: From my archives.

Listening for the Healing

20160514_120002 As the wind moves through the canopy of forest,

memories of prayers sway

with the branches, listening

for the healing, I close my eyes

and realize

there will be no war

to shield my scars,

only a light rain now falling,

renewing a song……

within me.

Note: From my archives a revised poem.

Butterflies Dance in the Forest

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Butterflies dance in the forest, discovering the leaves

while the buzzing from a honey bee flies over,

but it’s the deer that discovers me first,

expecting her to run,

I whisper blessings,

with her heart at peace again

she bends down to feed.

The Summer Light

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The summer light seems so much more beautiful, streaming

through the coolness and comfort

of the dark forest.

As the Hawk Flies Further

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Our mountains seem quieter now, the silence

of bare trees, fewer boots disturbing

the trails, and creatures of the forest

choosing to stay

indoors, preferring the burrows

of warm earth, covered

with layers of dry leaves.

As the hawk flies further away

searching for her food.

I Remember the Forest Speaking

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I remember the forest speaking, being lifted up with birdsong, woodpecker knocking

under the watchful eye of the hawk, and I will try not to dwell on the death of the colors

as I bury the leaves under my feet, instead I will look forward to the birth

and the snow that covers us, with so much peace.

Tag: forest