We come here, from the metropolis, with giant's footprints.
The hike is narrow, dirt trodden path with sign posts. Up and up, the path runs along shallow caves of pre-historic years. Shrubs and saplings crisscross with pine and spruce trees. Here nature designs her own house - from limestone cliffs to soap-washed out ledges, to the jewelled crowns of maple and oak trees. Gnarled roots stand out along the way, thick and grubby. Moss and wild flowers frolic, their leaves running zig-zag, then tumbling down the hills. The air is cool, heady with scents of fallen leaves and rain. The heart of the forest beats, steady slow hum, weaving with maverick trills and caws carried by wind.
We leave the conservation area, conquered by green bath of forest. Small creatures, bubbling with dew and birdsongs.
of silence- as birds of prey
climb peak cliffs, screeching-
Posted for the D'verse Poets Pub - Haibun Monday is hosted by Kanzensakura ~ The theme is forest bathing ~ In 1980, the Japanese began a type of healing/meditation/relaxation process called shinrin-yoku (森林浴) or literally, forest bathing. Join us when the pub opens at 3pm EST.
This is wonderful... I think you have made your forest to both silence and adventure... that path meandering seems to lead into ever new findings.
ReplyDeleteNature coming alive as in the forest one can thrive
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed this walk, this forest bath with you. You remind me that sometimes the forest considers us an interloper, stinking of the city, talking too loud, playing music, doodling with our phones. We need to prepare before a forest foray.
ReplyDeleteI love this walk into the forest where 'moss and wild flowers frolic' and where 'nature designs her own house' :o)
ReplyDeleteThank you for taking us with you on this amazing walk. You've woken every sense here.
ReplyDeleteThe forest hum is soothing and steady almost to the point I forget it is there. Your haibun reminds me of walks in the Smoky Mountains with all the climbing.
ReplyDelete...and the dreadful fires in the Smokies broke my heart this year.
DeleteThat's the perfect kind of countryside, a real wilderness full of natural sounds, and the ancient past that every tree and rock possesses.
ReplyDeleteI remember that feeling of entering a forest after days and weeks in the city - a deep breath, cleansing and mind-expanding. Now I live in the country, I can go to the woods any time and still get a kick out of it. But the place you describe sounds so exotic with its 'limestone cliffs to soap-washed out ledges, to the jewelled crowns of maple' - we don't have any of these, so you have transported my to another planet.
ReplyDeleteLove that your forest has a heart beat.
ReplyDeleteYour descriptive walk in the woods carried me right along. Thank you!
ReplyDeleteYou have such a gift for description, Grace. Enjoyed this personification of the forest--especially "Moss and wild flowers frolic, their leaves running zig-zag, then tumbling down the hills."
ReplyDeletelovely walk in the forest!
ReplyDeleteGreat Job! I was taken to where we are at the mercy of nature.
ReplyDeleteLovely piece..
ReplyDeletepeace and love
1ManView
Wonderful and well written, dear. Good job as always.
ReplyDeleteDelightful "forest bathing", Grace. A striking haiku!
ReplyDeleteBeautifully described, Grace.
ReplyDeleteI wish ... so much snow here, friend Grace ... may May come soon ... Love, cat,
ReplyDeleteYou paint a great picture here of the 'house designed by nature' ~ lovely line ~ and so create an atmosphere of a place that bring so much peace
ReplyDeleteOh you've taken me on a wondrous hike this morning -- I am there with your words -- heady scents and majestic trees with moss softening my footsteps. An absolutely gorgeous write!
ReplyDeleteThis is lovely, Grace. Your words took me on this journey. The haiku is especially drawing. Jane
ReplyDeleteSuch a beautifully descriptive poem. Nicely written.
ReplyDeletethe image of the forest has come so alive...refreshing!
ReplyDeleteFoRest
ReplyDeleteis smART
conSuMes
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LeaVinG hUman trAsh..:)
conquered by green bath of forest - how amazing to feel this! being overpowered by nature - I love this kind of feeling
ReplyDeleteThis is a fascinating read. Thank you.
ReplyDelete