My footfalls
drum the root chambers
of the old growth
each step
cushioned
by centuries of needle-drop
in this ancient forest
I’m enjoying the rise and fall
twist and turn of the trail
my walking stick is smooth
clutched comfortably
in my right hand
tensions dissipate
soothed
by the enchanting rustle
of a gentle zephyr
in the treetops
of these old growth
Ponderosa Pine
it carries on it
that enticing fragrance
of this bewitching conifer
a hint of butterscotch
maybe cinnamon
or is it vanilla
perhaps even coconut
I’m drawn to this stand
these amazing giants
they’re visually breathtaking
and they remind me
endearingly
of grandma’s baking
the aroma
and the stir of the breeze
wafting down the western slopes
of these Cascade Mountains
invigorates me
to wander further
the steady rhythm of my footsteps
is the pulse of my soul
rounding a bend in the trail
brushing through waist-high fern
passing into another section
of this captivating forest
I crest a knoll
and stop
mesmerized
filtered by the towering woodland canopy
sunlight drifts down softly
dreamlike
it settles golden
into the peaceful clearing
that beckons me
a presence is tangible
it is familiar
I’ve encountered it
in this forest
times before
it is the spirit
of these ancients
in this moment
the breeze enfolds me
filled with new intoxicating scents
of living earth
an addictive bouquet
of Cascade Red Cedar
Douglas Fir
moss
bark
loam
gentle sweet pungence
and ionized mountain air
perching atop a log
a downed Douglas
I swoon
taking it all in
my spirit rises
my being grows weightless
any sense of self
floats away
lifted into oneness
wholeness
timeless
bliss
*
rob kistner © 2022
Even more fragrant poetry at: dVerse