Very deep in the ancient wood
secreted among the old-growth
nestles a serene forest clearing
soft filtered sunlight falls in rays
gently through the green canopy
enwraps golden the sacred space
a breeze stirs quietly overhead
rustling brightly in the treetops
whispering of nature’s memories
a downed Douglas Fir slumbers
snug decades in its moss blanket
wrapped in earth’s final embrace
beyond to my left a hidden path
breaks subtly through the trees
offers a glimpse of deep azure
I swoon
captivated by nature’s beauty
I’m hiking Lost Lake’s ancient forest
my footfalls drum the root chambers
of this Oregon mountain old growth
each breathtaking step is cushioned
a soft centuries-old natural carpet
needle-drop of these regal conifers
rounding a bend in the lake trail
brushing through waist-high fern
I crest a gentle knoll — and stop
mesmerized
sunlight drifts down dreamlike
filtered by the woodland canopy
settling warm and soft around me
a short distance to my left
I again catch a crisp sparkle
of serene deep azure waters
I visually drink in the exquisite
filled with a peaceful calm
quietly
I muse
suddenly
I’m startled
a beautiful young doe
bounds onto the path
just in front of me
standing
proud
golden
in the glow
she considers me briefly
then disappears
quick — as a stolen glance
quiet — as passing time
gone — as a missed chance
time suspends
the world is in balance
life aligns for a perfect moment
here in my personal utopia
but utopia is in danger!
*
rob kistner © 2023
More poetry at: dVerse